Russell Martin expresses frustration over Southampton’s lack of fight after Bournemouth defeat

Southampton manager Russell Martin admits feeling ‘really hurt’ after his team's 3-1 loss to Bournemouth

Southampton manager Russell Martin expressed deep frustration following his team's 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Monday night, leaving the Saints with just one point from six Premier League matches. Martin said he was “really hurt” by his team’s lack of “fight, aggression and courage” during the match. “I’m so hurt,” Martin told The Independent, adding, “we lacked the courage to keep the ball and the aggression to fight.”

Southampton initially took the lead through Evanlison's goal but faltered as Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo scored, sealing the Saints' defeat at Vitality Stadium. Martin admitted that his team failed to respond adequately after going ahead, noting, “When things went wrong, we didn’t react with the aggression and intensity needed.”

With this result, Southampton has made their worst start to a league season, and the pressure on the team continues to mount. The manager’s concerns reflect the club’s struggles as they adjust to their return to the Premier League.