Southampton have sacked manager Russell Martin after their 5-0 hammering by Tottenham on Sunday.
The result leaves Southampton bottom of the Premier League and nine points adrift of safety.
There were audible boos aimed at Martin from Southampton fans during and after Sunday’s match. In response, Martin said: “The fans have been amazing for us since we’ve been here from day one.
“I understand the frustration, I also understand the modern world and football and what it is and what it’s about.”
Shortly afterwards, though, he added: “As a person, (it doesn’t hurt) very much. But when I put my ego into it as a manager, it hurts a lot because you work so hard every single day.
“Of course, that hurts because we work so hard. But you have to accept it as part and parcel of football and it is what it is.”
Asked if the fans would get their wish, he said: “Not a clue, mate. Not a clue. You’re speaking to the wrong man.
“But it’s not personal; I don’t know them, they don’t know me. So it’s a criticism of the job I’m doing, I understand. I don’t think you can criticise a person when you don’t know them. So it’s a criticism of the job I am doing.”
Martin’s departure was announced by the club less than 90 minutes after the full-time whistle.
Martin, appointed in June 2023, led Southampton to promotion via the Championship play-offs, but has overseen just one victory and 13 defeats from 16 games in the Premier League.
Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was a pundit for TNT during the match. At full-time, before the sacking was announced, he said: “I feel very sorry for Martin.
“I think the lads are still trying for him. I don’t think there’s any question of anything on Russell Martin.
“The fans do deserve better and they’re sticking with us, and it’s one we have to move on very quickly ahead of Wednesday.”
Southampton’s upcoming fixtures
Wednesday December 18: Southampton vs Liverpool – Carabao Cup quarter-final, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports
Saturday December 22: Fulham vs Southampton – Premier League, kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports
Thursday December 26: Southampton vs West Ham – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
Sunday December 29: Crystal Palace vs Southampton – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
Saturday January 4: Southampton vs Brentford – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
Sunday January 12: Southampton vs Swansea – FA Cup third round, kick-off 4.30pm
