Russell Martin Discusses Southampton’s Recovery, Everton Challenge, and Club Support

Southampton manager Russell Martin addressed reporters in advance of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Everton, scheduled for a 15:00 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press conference: The squad has “pretty much recovered” from a widespread illness affecting the club. Ryan Fraser remains the sole uncertainty for the upcoming weekend, having exited early during the Carabao Cup victory. Martin stated: “We will have to assess him again in the morning. He trained a little bit today, but we will have to see if he is available.” Martin expressed “a level of pride” regarding the team’s performance in their loss to Manchester City last weekend, and described “a really good feeling” following their midweek win against Stoke City. Despite not yet securing a Premier League win this season, he believes his players have demonstrated “fighting” spirit and have been “competitive”. He commented: “We haven’t felt like we have come away with what we should have, but we have to make sure we put things right. It is a long old season and we have been so competitive and so close. We just need to see one through now – that will help us hugely.” Everton’s current five-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League has “changed things dramatically for them,” according to Martin, who is “really confident” his team can achieve a comparable run of results. He further remarked: “It has to start somewhere, so hopefully that is tomorrow.” Regarding the upcoming match against Sean Dyche’s team, Martin stated: “They are in a really good place. They have found a bit of rhythm. They have a manager with so much experience, and a team that is really well organised and good at what they do. I think it is going to be difficult. The challenge for us is to play how we want to play, but they definitely don’t make that easy.” He continued: “We have to try to win the game. The situation we are in is so frustrating, but we have a lot of time to put it right and grow. This game, and the Wolves game, are huge for us. We want to get our first win, get some points, and improve where we are in the table.” Addressing his relationship with the club’s owners following a challenging start to the season, Martin commented: “The owners have been brilliant. Everyone has been so supportive. I don’t think people understand how close we are. I think there’s a level of respect between us all. We are having to do things differently here – we can’t spend loads of money – so we will keep trying to do it in our way until I’m told I’m not required to try any more.” Martin described Adam Lallana as an “amazing character” and expressed being “really happy” with the rapport he has developed with the experienced midfielder. He elaborated: “He asks me lots of questions, I ask him lots of questions. I think we need that experience in the team right now. Adam has a lot of voice on the pitch and off the pitch, so he is a big part of what we’re doing.”