Martin "Hurt" by Southampton's Spiritless Defeat to Bournemouth

Southampton manager Russell Martin expressed his disappointment following a lackluster 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth, highlighting the “hurt” he felt from his team’s display. The loss leaves the Saints winless in their first six Premier League matches, sitting 19th in the table with just one point—matching their worst start since the 1998-99 season.

Martin was particularly frustrated by the team’s capitulation after Bournemouth’s Evanilson scored the opener, which was followed by two more goals before halftime. He noted the disparity in fouls—20 for Bournemouth compared to Southampton’s 10—as indicative of his team’s softness.

“We were soft,” Martin stated. “Regardless of the personnel or tactics, if you lack fight, aggression, spirit, and courage, you’re going to face serious problems. I didn’t recognize my team today. I was hurt by the lack of spirit and fight. Normally, I’m proud of their courage, but there was none today—no aggression, no intensity.”

Although Southampton showed improvement in the second half, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis scoring a consolation goal, Martin felt the initial performance was unacceptable.

“I prepared the team for Bournemouth and highlighted their strengths, but it seemed we were unprepared,” he added. “After starting well, we faced a setback with their first goal, and I felt compelled to thank the players for their effort in the second half. But that shouldn’t be necessary; fighting should be the bare minimum.”