Paul Merson has criticised Russell Martin’s tactical approach at Southampton, labelling it ‘madness’ after their difficult return to Premier League football.
Writing in his prediction column for Sky Sports, the outspoken pundit said Southampton are ‘too predictable’ and questioned the logic of focusing on attractive football when it’s not delivering results.
“What’s the point in playing attractive football if you lose every week?” Merson asked.
Southampton manager Martin has so far insisted on sticking with his possession-based philosophy, but it has yielded just one point from their opening seven league games, putting him under increasing pressure.
Speculation surrounding the 38-year-old’s future has grown over the international break, with reports suggesting he could be just one match away from the sack.
While Southampton have managed two victories in the EFL Cup, reaching the fourth round where they will face Stoke City, their league campaign has been woeful. Their only success so far has come outside the Premier League, compounding the frustration among fans.
Merson: “It’s Madness!”
In his column for Sportskeeda, Merson pulled no punches in his assessment of Southampton’s tactics:
“I feel Southampton are way too predictable. If they keep doing the same things they’ve done so far, it could be curtains for them soon.
“At Manchester City, they start with Ederson, and he pings the ball up the pitch to create a goalscoring chance. It drives me up the wall when clubs like Southampton are trying to do the same, it’s madness!
“You’re only a good manager if you don’t get beat. What’s the point in playing attractive football if you lose every week?
“You have to mix it up when things aren’t working for you, that’s how teams can survive in this division.”
Martin’s Philosophy Under Scrutiny:
Martin built his reputation with a possession-heavy style, leading Southampton to promotion with a staggering 65.5% possession last season.
He has stuck with that philosophy in the top flight, and Southampton currently boast the fifth-highest average possession (57.4%) in the Premier League.
Only Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Brighton have enjoyed more of the ball in the opening seven games.
However, possession alone hasn’t been enough to secure results, and Martin’s refusal to adjust his tactics has placed him under mounting scrutiny.
Southampton will now enter a critical stretch of fixtures, facing fellow relegation-threatened sides Leicester City, Everton, and Wolves in the coming weeks.
These matches will offer Martin and his team a crucial opportunity to turn their season around—or risk being cut adrift at the bottom.