Southampton fans at St Mary’s unfurled a banner telling manager Russell Martin to “get out of our club” after the Saints were smashed 5-0 by Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton fans told manager Russell Martin to “get out of our club” as the Saints fell 5-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s.
A brace from James Maddison, alongside goals from Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Pape Matar Sarr saw Ange Postecoglou’s side put five past the Saints in the first half, with Southampton putting in a disastrous performance in the opening 45 minutes.
While they did not concede in the second half, the result leaves the Saints rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, nine points adrift of 17th place Leicester City. And during the dreadful performance by Martin’s side at St Mary’s, Saints supporters unfurled a banner telling Martin to “get out of our club.”
The banner read: “R.M. GET OUT OF OUR CLUB.” Speaking after the game, Martin said: “I was hurt in the first half. We did not respond very well to the setbacks as a group.
“We have seen that all too often this season. After the first goal, our response was very poor.
“It’s most disappointing because we had worked on a plan. We had a week’s training and the players have been part of that process.
“But we did not carry out anywhere near the intensity or aggression we needed. I didn’t recognise our team in the first half. But I am pleased they stuck out in the second half. At this point, it is about pride and showing some care for each other.”
And then when he was asked about the frustration of supporters, who booed Southampton following their defeat to Spurs, Martin said: “As a person, no [the boo’s didn’t hurt]. Because I understand that it’s not personal. But as a manager, yes. It hurts me as well as the team. But I also understand it.”
He added: “We have no choice but to keep working and fighting. It’s what I have been doing in this job and I will continue doing it until I am told not to.”