Russell Martin admitted that Southampton’s chances of automatic promotion are now slim following their goalless draw against Blackburn Rovers.
Southampton squandered chances yet again at Ewood Park, continuing a trend seen in previous matches against Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town. Despite remaining in the promotion hunt for much of the season, Russell Martin’s team seems to falter under pressure in crucial moments.
Although promotion rivals Ipswich and Leeds United stumbled this weekend, Southampton still trails the top two by 12 points, with two games in hand. Martin remains hopeful, emphasizing the importance of finishing the season strongly, even if automatic promotion seems unlikely.
With seven games remaining, Southampton faces a congested fixture schedule, potentially playing more matches than any other Championship team. Martin views this as an opportunity to keep the squad motivated and energized for the playoffs, despite the challenging road ahead.
For Blackburn, the draw was crucial in their fight for Championship survival, showcasing their resilience and commitment on the field. Manager John Eustace praised his team’s efforts, highlighting their defensive solidity and unity during a tough period of the season.