OVERSEXT Following Saints’ 5-0 loss at Leicester, Russell Martin questioned the mindset of the team and singled out Che Adams for praise.
Martin disclosed that he had also singled out Adams in front of the players during fulltime at the King Power Stadium dressing room.
Adams participated in 85 minutes of the humiliating defeat before the manager decided to rest him in preparation for Saturday’s match against Stoke City.
Despite dominating in the Welsh capital, Saints were defeated 2-1 by Cardiff City, meaning they have now lost back-to-back games once more.
When asked what he told his Leicester players, Martin replied, “What can you say after that? I expressed my disapproval to them.
I informed them that Che Adams’s contract expires in the summer. He is the only one who most likely has an explanation there.
An explanation if he wasn’t truly willing to put his all into supporting his team and put in a lot of effort. More than anyone else, he does it.
Thus, it is unacceptable for anyone else to fail to take such action,” Martin went on. “I have to examine how I approach the players mentally.
“They should definitely question theirs because, given their level of skill, what has transpired in the last two games is unacceptable.
You can play anyway you like—put the ball forward, play second balls, etc., but you’ll constantly find yourself in problems if you don’t want to battle, run for each other, and play sound defense.
“It’s not that; I’m confident the play’s approach will be held accountable. It all comes down to attitude, bravery, guts, and bringing value to your teammates.
“We need more of that dressing room, both tonight and on Saturday.”