•Russell Martin
Southampton have sacked manager Russell Martin ahead of their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Liverpool.
The Saints made the decision after their humiliating 5-0 Premier League defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur yesterday, reports AFP.
Spurs scored four goals inside the first 25 minutes and added a fifth and final strike before the half-time break, which resulted in scores of Southampton supporters leaving St Mary’s early.
The result leaves the rock-bottom Saints with just one win to their name since returning to the top-flight – which came against Everton – and nine points adrift of safety.
Martin led Southampton back to the Premier League last season with victory in the Championship play-off final against Leeds United. But the 38-year-old has now been relieved of his duties 72 hours before the last-eight showdown at home to Liverpool on Wednesday.
A Saints club statement read: “We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our men’s first team manager, Russell Martin.
“Going into the start of the season, we all knew the challenges that we would face this year as we readjusted to life in the top flight, competing in the best and most competitive league in the world.
“However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board has supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations. We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they have given the club on and off the pitch over the last 18 months.
“Everyone connected with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially the play-off final win in May.”
Southampton have confirmed that the club’s Under-21s boss, Simon Rusk, will take charge of the first team on interim basis as they seek a replacement for Martin, who had been rewarded with a new three-year contract in the summer.
Rusk spent six years in Brighton & Hove Albion’s youth set-up, where he oversaw the development of the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Ben White, before moving into senior management at Stockport County.
The 42-year-old then coached England Under-19s and worked as a set-piece specialist for Nottingham Forest before joining the Saints in the summer.
The Southampton statement continued: “Behind the scenes, we are encouraged by the continued development of talent coming through our academy.
“We are proud of the contributions our young players are making and are confident this will remain a source of strength and pride for everyone associated with the club.
“We are also deeply grateful for the continued support and positivity shown by our fans.
“We are witnessing first-hand the significant gap between the Championship and the Premier League, but your understanding and passion, even when results have not been what we all want, continue to drive our long-term commitment to the club.”
Liverpool won a five-goal Premier League thriller 3-2 at St Mary’s last month. Mohamed Salah scored twice after the Saints took a 2-1 lead after Dominik Szoboszlai’s opener.
