Russell Martin has spoken out against what he describes as deeply personal attacks from supporters and sections of the media as his Leicester City side endure a wretched start to life in League One.
The 40-year-old’s position has come under fierce scrutiny following last Saturday’s humiliating 4-0 loss at Oxford United, a result that left the 2016 Premier League champions languishing in 18th place — the lowest league position in the 142-year-old club’s history.
Former Leicester winger Matt Piper labelled the Oxford performance a “sackable” offence.
With just a single victory from their opening five fixtures, the Foxes’ return to English football’s third tier following consecutive relegations has been nothing short of dismal.
Speaking to BBC East Midlands Today ahead of Saturday’s fixture at Stockport County, Martin addressed the hostility head-on.
“It has become really personal from some guys in the media and definitely from fans,” he said.
“It is what it is, and I have to deal with it. It doesn’t affect me too much, genuinely, but it is really difficult for the people around me, who know me and understand me and know what I am.”
The Leicester manager revealed that even his own players have noticed the intensity of the backlash.
“I don’t know why I upset so many people. One of the players asked me this week why I am so criticised outside of here, because obviously they see stuff, and I can’t answer it.”
The vitriol directed at Martin is far from new. His high-possession, pass-heavy philosophy drew sustained hostility during a 123-day stint as Rangers manager in the Scottish Premiership last season.
Even after a late victory against Livingston last October, the former Scotland international was subjected to abusive chants from his own supporters.
Leicester fans have hurled abuse at Russell Martin throughout the season already
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GETTY“The only thing I find sad is when I see kids standing next to their dads and sticking their fingers up at me or swearing at me,” he said at the time.
“I don’t feel particularly sad about that for me. I feel it’s more about that cycle going on.”
He was dismissed days later following a draw at Falkirk.
Despite being overwhelming favourites to romp through League One, Leicester’s record of two draws and two defeats alongside their solitary win has left Martin’s tenure hanging by a thread.
The criticism mirrors the pattern that dogged him at Ibrox, where his commitment to building from the back polarised opinion before his swift departure.
Martin did, however, note during his Rangers spell that numerous fans had approached him in person urging him to disregard the abuse, with many feeling the attacks had gone “quite some way over the normal criticism.”
Whether Saturday’s trip to Stockport can ease the pressure remains to be seen.
