By BBC (Sports) | Created at 2024-12-12 14:42:20 | Updated at 2024-12-12 16:44:14
2 hours ago
Image source, Getty Images
Southampton have won only one of 15 Premier League matches this season
Southampton manager Russell Martin says the club's Premier League points tally so far this season is "incredibly hurtful and embarrassing".
His team sit bottom of the Premier League table on five points.
Martin's side have won once, drawn twice and lost 12 of their 15 league fixtures since earning promotion back to the top flight.
They have a goal difference of minus 20, having scored 11 and conceded 31 times.
"We shouldn't be on the points that we are. It is incredibly hurtful and embarrassing to be on five points - we should have more," said Martin.
"But there have been a few too many mistakes and a few too many moments that we haven't managed well.
"We have had disappointments in games and setbacks, but we have to keep trying to grow - to grow as a group, to grow individually and prepare the players for those moments when it is tough, and find ways for them to cope emotionally."
Southampton face Tottenham in the Premier League at St Mary's on Sunday (19:00 GMT).
As has been the case with Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, whose side have suffered recent damaging results, Martin has faced calls to change his style of play.
"I get criticised for the same thing [as Postecoglou], about being stubborn and all that stuff, but if you believe in something and it's taken you a certain way in life then to deviate too far from that is crazy," said Martin.
"I can't speak for him but we are also adapting. We adapt shape, approach, personnel, but with the same consistency about what is important for us, with the same concept of the game. We can't deviate too far from that otherwise we become nothing, really.
"Everyone is just quick to criticise these days and I have a lot of respect for him."
