Premier League could witness first managerial sack of the season during international break as 38-year-old coach risks facing axe: Reports
Numerous Premier League managers have been shown the door midway through the season in the past. In the current edition, one such name is Erik ten Hag, whose managerial reign at Manchester United is under question after six rounds of matches. However, there is one more manager who could lose his job in the Premier League.
As per talkSPORT, 38-year-old Russell Martin's future is uncertain at Southampton, after the club faced a tough start to the Premier League campaign. The manager might be shown the door ahead of the autumn international break.
The Saints have picked up just one point in their six domestic fixtures. They are placed 19th, just above Wolverhampton Wanderers. Moreover, they are one of the five clubs who are yet to taste victory.
The solitary point which Russell Martin's side achieved came against Ipswich Town, a club themselves yet to win a game. As of now, the 3-1 drubbing to AFC Bournemouth on Monday (September 30) has piled on more pressure on Martin. Adding to the damage, the Saints have managed to score only thrice in six fixtures.
In the 2024-25 edition of the Premier League, Crystal Palace, Wolves, Ipswich Town, and former champions Leicester City are the other four clubs who still await those invaluable three points. But looking at the current run of results, it might be Southampton who will take the first shot in sacking a manager.
How have Southampton fared in Premier League 2024-25?
Southampton started their season with two 1-0 losses in the first two gameweeks. In their opening clash, Eddie Howe's Newcastle United edged past them. The second fixture saw them fall short to Nottingham Forest at home.
A sigh of relief came at this juncture, when they earned their first win of the season. Notably, Russell Martin's side defeated Cardiff City 5-3 in the Carabao Cup. However, they couldn't continue the momentum in the Premier League. In their third game, they went down to Brentford.
After the international break, they met Manchester United on the road, a fixture which saw the Red Devils outwit Martin's side again. The Carabao Cup was still a positive amidst this as they went past Everton in the third round, courtesy a tiebreaker.
The next game saw Martin's side finally gain their first point in the Premier League, sharing the spoils with Ipswich at home. However, the latest defeat to Bournemouth hasn't been dealt well by the club.
The manager said post the fixture to Sky Sports:
"I thought I made enough of a deal about Bournemouth and the way they approached the game and how good they are at certain things, but obviously it wasn't enough, because we looked like we were unprepared for that, which, considering the work we've done is crazy."
Southampton will now take on their toughest opponents so far in the league, in the form of Arsenal on Saturday (October 5).