Southampton’s Martin says he’ll ‘adapt’ but was hired for a reason
However, he argues that Saints have hired him to assist guide a definite way and will see it
through. MANAGER Russell Martin will “flex and adapt” his tactics.
The 37 year old, hired by new director of football Jason Wilcox, has been identified to develop an attractive possession-based football
model, with Martin insisting human connection is at the heart of it.
Martin comes into the club off the back of years of hurt, which eventually resulted in relegation from the Premier League, while
knowing promotion is the ultimate ambition.
Saints have been beaten three times in succession in the Championship after an unbeaten start to the campaign with the pressure now ramping up.
Martin takes his Saints side to Middlesbrough with the confidence to keep the club moving in one direction despite a shock run of results.
“I’m not passing excuse because we need to work to find a way through it but there’s been a lack of cohesion at this club,” the former
Swansea City boss said.
“Our duty is to bring it back. There has been a lack of cohesion with the fans and a lack of connection here at the training facility.
“I’m doing that while implementing a different style and an entirely different way of functioning, so I’m hoping now that we can create
a connection by being absolutely open with you and the players.
“We must increase our vigour and forward motion. We don’t have that, but we will find it. Ipswich has that, and it’s getting them to a
pretty fantastic place.
“People will see a team that is functioning well and when we find that rhythm, people will start to trust the work we’re doing and the
players trust it because they can feel it.”
Martin continued: “Out of anxiety, at the moment the players feel they need to run around and do more. In some moments, less is more.
“It’s our job to help them understand that. I’m excited about what is to come, you find out so much about people and yourself in these moments.
“It’s such a long season and we’re only seven games in, We’re going to tweak, adapt, learn and try new things but we’ve been brought
here for a reason.
“It’s to give the club something to really buy into, to energise everyone and to bring people together. I want supporters to enjoy
watching their team.
“They probably haven’t for the last three games and I understand that. Also to understand what it takes and the mentality and courage
it takes to play this way. ‘
“It’s up to us to give the supporters more moments than we have done to build that connection and togetherness and we will because
it’s what we did at the last two clubs we were at.
“We will flex and adapt but without losing what the club really wants to be. The club have embarked on a journey now with loads of
new people.
“The owners and directors have been great. The club have made a decision to go this way and we have to see it through, it’s pointless
going one way and then another.
“The club has decided that this is the course we’ll take. A young management and a young team have been hired to help the group
develop in a specific way.
“They understood there would be some really sticky moments, but when you see it through and ride through this moment, it will be
brilliant.”
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