In the first seven Premier League matches, Southampton have made a lot of crucial mistakes in both attack, as well as defence leading to the Saints facing six defeats in the beginning of the season. Defensive mistakes, misplaced passes and goalscoring struggles have been a regular theme for Southampton this season, similar to their 2022/23 league campaign where they got relegated at the end of the season. Therefore, there are uncertainties surrounding the club that a similar kind of season can happen again such as the Saints changing managers and again getting relegated, if Southampton couldn't pick up some important wins in the first half of the season.
Hence, manager Russell Martin is also rumoured to be replaced at Southampton with former Chelsea manager Graham Potter a huge favourite to return to his former club in a managerial role. Despite overseeing an underwhelming performance by his side in the last two months, manager Russell Martin has brought results at Southampton as he guided the Saints to promotion in his debut season at the St. Mary's Stadium. On top of that, Southampton faced three consecutive defeats towards the end of the last season, still Martin inspired the team to take two clean sheets in the Championship playoffs and win the final 1-0 against Leeds United.
Southampton's stance on Russell Martin revealed amidst exit rumours
Thus, Martin can still guide Southampton to make a turnaround in the Premier League and a couple of important wins can bring the momentum to the Saints in the league table. Recently, TalkSport analyst Jim White revealed Southampton's stance on manager Russell Martin, saying,
"They've faith and trust in Russell. They haven't lost that faith and trust in Russell yet.Jim White
The top of the house also told me that it's hoped he finds the strength and resolve needed to do the right things."
This is a good move from the club to have patience with manager Russell Martin and to believe that the Saints will make a comeback in the next few matches. Currently, Southampton will play three important fixtures with Leicester City, Wolves and Everton in the Premier League after the international break and if the Saints remain unbeaten and take a few wins, they could find themselves in a comfortable position away from the relegation spots. However, if things don't go well in these matches, then Southampton can consider bringing in a new manager to help the club to avoid relegation.
In any case, manager Russell Martin should be backed by the club given the enormous task he did last season by securing a return to the Premier League in the first attempt itself. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Martin implements a different approach in his tactics and decides to make some lineup changes after the international break to find the best out of the assembled squad.