So painful and humiliating – Martin opens Southampton’s disappointing start

Russell Martin has admitted it is “hurtful and embarrassing” that his Southampton side have picked up just five points from their opening 15 Premier League games.

The Saints managed to get back into the top flight last season via the play-offs but have found a bigger lift, winning just one game – against fellow rivals Everton.

Individual errors have hampered Saints’ progress but Martin remains confident that there are better times ahead.

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Speaking of Sunday evening’s game with Tottenham in St. Mary’s, said: “We shouldn’t be on the points we are on. It’s very painful and embarrassing to be on five points – we should have more.

“But there have been a lot of mistakes and a few moments where we didn’t do well.

“We’ve had disappointments in the game and setbacks, but we have to try to grow – grow as a team, grow individually and prepare the players for the tough times, and find ways to help them cope mentally.

“But they’re getting bigger, better and more competitive.”

Martin knows what Postecoglou is going through

Martin has been criticized for his play and a number of the aforementioned mistakes that result from his insistence on playing from the back.

As such, he is at the mercy of his opposite number this week, Ange Postecoglou, who has also been accused of stubbornness for refusing to give up all his attacking genius.

Martin added: “I get criticized for that, being stubborn and all that, but if you believe in something and it’s taking a different path in life then to deviate too far is crazy.

“I can’t speak for him but we are changing again. We change the look, the method, the staff but without changing what is important to us, it is the same idea of ​​the game. We can’t stray too far from that or we’ll be nothing, really.

“Everyone is quick to criticize these days and I have a lot of respect for him.”

It’s good to be different – Martin

Martin believes that different tactics will help the game, even if it leaves managers in doubt when results drop.

“People only criticize those who are slightly different from the way they behave,” he said. “So if we all believe the same thing that would be boring, but we’re not open to criticism.

“I watched a lot of his (Postecoglou’s) Celtic team, they were brilliant. They got a lot of praise for being brave and aggressive. They did a good job, won a lot of trophies and played in the Champions League.

“He goes to Spurs and starts very well, then when the results are good nobody doubts his style or his beliefs or his belief. Then the minute he starts to weaken, he is always down.”