Before their matchup with Liverpool in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals, Southampton fired manager Russell Martin. Following Sunday’s devastating 5-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur, the Saints made the choice.
Many Southampton fans left St Mary’s early as Spurs scored four goals in the first twenty-five minutes and added a fifth and final goal just before halftime.
As a result, the relegated Saints are now nine points outside of safety and have just won once since making their comeback to the top division, against Everton.
Last season, Martin led Southampton back to the Premier League by defeating Leeds United in the Championship play-off final. However, the 38-year-old has been relieved of his duties 72 hours before Wednesday’s last-eight match at home against Liverpool.
A Saints club statement read: “We can confirm that we have made the tough decision to part ways with our men’s first team manager, Russell Martin.
In a statement, the Saints club said, “We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with Russell Martin, our men’s first team manager. “We were all aware going into the season of the difficulties we would encounter as we readapted to life in the top tier and played in the world’s greatest and most competitive league. The truth of our predicament, however, is evident. In addition to being clear and honest about our expectations, the board has stood with Russell and his team. For the most part, we have all agreed that improvement is urgently needed.
“We want to use this opportunity to express our gratitude to Russell and his team for their tireless efforts and commitment to the club over the past 18 months, both on and off the pitch.
“Everyone associated with Southampton FC will always cherish the wonderful memories of the previous season, particularly the victory in the May play-off final.”
As they look for a replacement for Martin, who was rewarded with a new three-year deal in the summer, Southampton has confirmed that Simon Rusk, the club’s Under-21s manager, will lead the first team temporarily.
Before going into senior management at Stockport County, Rusk spent six years with Brighton & Hove Albion’s junior setup, where he supervised the growth of players like Viktor Gyokeres and Ben White.
Before joining the Saints in the summer, the 42-year-old led England’s Under-19 team and served as a set-piece specialist for Nottingham Forest.
Behind the scenes, we are inspired by the ongoing growth of talent passing through our academy,” the Southampton statement went on to say
The contributions our young players are making are something we are proud of, and we are sure will continue to be a source of pride and strength for all those connected to the club.
We also want to express our sincere gratitude to our fans for their unwavering encouragement and support.
“Even though the results have not been what we all wanted, your understanding and passion continue to drive our long-term commitment to the club.” We know firsthand how much the Championship and the Premier League differ from one another.
Liverpool defeated St Mary’s 3-2 in a thrilling Premier League match last month, scoring five goals. Dominik Szoboszlai’s first goal put the Saints ahead 2-1, then Mohamed Salah added two goals.
