“I will love to sign him, If You Don’t want him” – Southampton manager Russell Martin wants to sign 22-year-old Chelsea star after Chelsea Win vs Southampton

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Fan Reactions: Understanding the Frustration

Did you notice the boos at the end?
RM: Absolutely, I get it. Fans expect their team to win, and when the scoreboard tells a disappointing story with a couple of avoidable goals, it’s natural for emotions to boil over.

That’s the essence of football, isn’t it? It stirs deep feelings, which is why it’s such a beloved sport here. I understand the passion entirely.

Reflecting on the Team’s Performance

How do you feel about your players tonight?
RM: Honestly, I couldn’t be prouder. The quality of football we displayed during the 11-on-11 stretch was phenomenal. We should’ve taken the lead early on.

Of course, we conceded two poor goals—a set-piece error and an unfortunate mistake—but the response was commendable. We created chances, hurt them with our play, and stayed firmly in the contest.

Even when reduced to 10 men, the players dug in with incredible determination. They held their ground under immense pressure, showed courage with the ball, and didn’t back down. That kind of spirit isn’t easy to maintain in such conditions.

Highlighting Individual Efforts

Were there standout players for you?
RM: Absolutely. Nathan Wood, on his debut, was fantastic. James Bree stepped in and delivered a strong performance, and Joe Aribo was equally impressive despite not having much game time recently.

These guys gave it their all, and I’m grateful for their efforts. It’s performances like these that reveal the character within the squad.

Addressing the Captain’s Red Card

Did Jack Stephens let the team down?
RM: This has been a common question, but I don’t see it that way. No one feels the disappointment more than Jack himself. I haven’t had a chance to sit with him yet, but I know this will hurt him deeply.

It’s a tough blow for all of us—eight games without him due to suspensions. However, his contributions over time have been invaluable, and this setback will likely motivate him even more moving forward.

The Challenges of Playing Style

Does sticking to your philosophy become harder in such moments?
RM: Not at all. In fact, we’ve had some brilliant moments building from the back, but a single mistake can cost us dearly. That’s the reality of football.

Our squad has been disrupted by injuries and suspensions, with five key players unavailable tonight. Naturally, this impacts the team’s fluidity, but we’re adapting and learning from each game.

Evaluating Board Expectations

How will the board assess this performance?
RM: I’d hope they judge it with perspective. We faced one of the country’s best teams while playing with 10 men for over an hour.

What they saw was a united team fighting relentlessly for one another. That’s all I can ask of my players—to give their all, work hard, and never stop battling.

On the Red Card Decision

Do you agree with the red card call?
RM: By the letter of the law, yes. While I haven’t reviewed the footage, I’ve been told it wasn’t violent conduct. Still, it was a rash moment that changed the game and cost us dearly.

Goalkeeper’s Resilience

How did your keeper handle the errors?
RM: Mistakes happen, but Lummers made some fantastic saves tonight. He stayed brave, demanding the ball under pressure—just like Ryan Manning, Nathan Wood, Kyle Walker-Peters, and others did.

The entire team showed growth and resilience. Their unity and effort over the past few weeks have been remarkable, and I’m proud of how they’re coming together as a group.

Pushing Forward Despite Setbacks

How do you keep the team on track after mistakes?
RM: It’s about learning and growing with every game. The more we compete against top sides, the stronger we become. I have no doubts about their potential.

They’re beginning to believe in themselves, and once that confidence solidifies, results will follow.

Luck in Football

Do you think luck plays a role?
RM: I’m not a fan of calling it luck. We’ve faced some tough decisions and missed opportunities, which have been frustrating.

But we channel that frustration into hard work. Tonight, I saw incredible determination—players taking risks, recovering under pressure, and fighting to the very end. That’s the mindset we need to keep building on.