Martin says criticism has become 'really personal'

What the report says

Leicester City manager Russell Martin has said the criticism directed at him has started to feel “really personal,” as pressure builds after a poor run of results at the King Power Stadium. Speaking to BBC East Midlands Today, the 40-year-old said he does not understand why he “upsets so many people,” and added that the scrutiny has been hard on those around him even if it has not affected him greatly.

The comments come after Leicester’s 4-0 defeat by Oxford United in League One on Saturday, a result that intensified debate over Martin’s tactics and future. It was Leicester’s second loss in five matches and left the club 18th in the division, a low point for the 142-year-old side after back-to-back relegations from the Premier League and Championship.

Martin’s possession-based, passing style has drawn criticism since he took charge, following a short spell at Rangers last season. Some former Leicester figures have questioned whether the approach can succeed, while captain Harry Souttar and defender Jayden Joseph have publicly backed the manager and said the squad believes the system needs more time.

Martin said he accepts he must improve, but he remains committed to trying to develop players through the style of football he believes in. More broadly, his remarks underline the tension between Leicester’s difficult start in the third tier and the club’s attempt to rebuild under a manager who is still convinced his method will work.