Russell Martin reveals asking Southampton to avoid an all-time low result in his final game when they were 5-0 down at half-time. Thankfully, Southampton didn't concede later.
When Southampton decided to give their no-confidence in Ivan Juric, they didn't expect a surging outrage from the fans. And why would they, given they knew the Croatian couldn't win over the fanbase?
In fact, that's why, given the current situation, it feels Southampton shouldn't have forced out former boss Russell Martin in the first place. Truth be told, even now, a significant majority of the St. Mary's faithful would have signed up for a relegation with Russell Martin.
That's the respect the Scot commanded among the Saints supporters. In fact, not only a fan-favourite but Martin was very much loved by the players too, with the unit keen not to let down the manager's trust ever.
Take, for instance, the manager's last Saints game, when the side shielded their gaffer from scripting a dark chapter in the club’s history books.
Russell Martin recalls his last game as Southampton boss
Well, already in the last position, a loss wouldn't have been surprising against the Spurs. But, unexpectedly, Southampton found them 0-5 against Tottenham at just half-time.
Now, just imagine, being on the verge of enduring an all-time-worst defeat in a challenging campaign, that too at home. Well, Martin's sacking felt coming, which eventually happened as well.
Still, the way Southampton responded later, saved Martin's legacy from getting further tarnished in his last game. And interestingly, it was a Russell Martin half-time speech that did the job.
Recently, speaking to the Daily Echo, Martin recalled: "So I said for 45 minutes, please don't end it in a nine or 10 or whatever, it can't be like that. I feel too much pride in and love for you for that."
Notably, what followed was arguably Southampton's one of the best second halves this season. Let alone conceding, the side looked quite balanced on all fronts.
Now, in the aftermath of a 5-0 defeat, Martin got sacked, but that response, born of love, not tactics, is what Martin will remember forever.