Southampton Manager Russell Martin Reflects on Season’s Learning and Team Belief

Russell Martin, manager of Southampton, has expressed his belief that he has gained as much managerial insight this season as in any prior campaign. Despite securing only one point in the Premier League so far this season, the Saints advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals following their 3-2 victory over Championship team Stoke on Tuesday. Ahead of Southampton’s home fixture against Everton on Saturday, Martin stated: “I’m learning all the time – I think I’ve learnt as much this season than I have done in any other season and we’re nine games in, so I’m enjoying that side of it.” “We tried to put into play everything we’ve learnt so far this season on Saturday (against Manchester City) and the players did it amazingly well.” “For us, the challenge and the learning is about trying to remain who we want to be and trying to improve and be better at that and grow under the big spotlight and scrutiny. Then the rest will take care of itself and I’ll be fine and comfortable with whatever happens.” “I really believe in this group. I really believe in what we’re doing and now we have to put it on the pitch on Saturday.” The Carabao Cup triumph on Tuesday was secured by an 88th-minute winning goal from defender James Bree. Martin expressed his desire to refrain from criticizing his players, acknowledging a past error last season when he did so. “I want the performance to be better,” he commented following Tuesday’s victory, further stating: “I made a mistake last year: we beat Watford at home [in April] when we were 2-0 up and went 2-2 and then Flynn [Downes] scored in the 94th minute and I went to town on the players after the game.” He continued: “I think it surprised a lot of them because we managed to win the game, so I learnt my lesson from that, because we didn’t win after that.” Martin concluded: “I think it affected us a little bit.”