Martin ‘happier now than this stage last season’

Southampton manager Russell Martin reinforced the message that his side have to “keep believing” despite their poor start to the Premier League season.

Martin’s side have lost all four of their opening league games, their most recent a 0-3 defeat to Manchester United at St Mary’s on Saturday.

“We’re just four games in and the lads have had some great moments already in those games.” Martin said.

“From those moments the lads will feel that we can really impact the league in a good way and not just survive.

“Having people like Adam Lallana and Aaron Ramsdale in the dressing room and how they can enforce that message is really important, we have to keep believing and learn through the pain.”

Saints picked up three wins and a draw in their opening four games in the Championship last season before going on to lose four in a row.

The Saints boss said that he feels more satisfied now than he did at this stage around those consecutive defeats last campaign.

“It’s no different to last year,” Martin added.

“Yes the level of competition has gone up but I’d argue we have had as many moments now as we did this stage last season.

“I’m actually much happier with the level of performance than I was this stage last season. We just need to stick with it.”

Southampton will next travel to Everton in the EFL Cup third round before a home match against Ipswich Town and travelling away to Bournemouth.