Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters has explained what he enjoys most about working with Russell Martin as manager.
Southampton appointed Russell Martin as manager in June 2023 following relegation from the Premier League.
Having previously led Swansea City into the Championship play-offs in 2020/21 while playing attractive football, the former Norwich City defender was seen as the perfect man to take the Saints back to the promised land.
The 38-year-old arrived at St Mary’s with a reputation for playing a possession-oriented style but his teams often struggle to take their chances, and that has been the case with Southampton.
The South Coasters currently sit fourth in the Championship table, six points adrift of third-place Leeds United with two games in hand.
Putting themselves back in the mix for automatic promotion after a mini blip, this campaign is only seen as a success if promotion is won.
Kyle Walker-Peters says what he loves about Russell Martin
Martin has divided opinion from supporters this term, as while the football can be electric, it also leaves the Saints susceptible to conceding at the other end.
When the players carry out his style to near perfection, there aren’t many teams, if any, who can stop this Saints side from dominating a match.
The players have bought into his way of playing and despite trailing the top two by seven points, Martin has attracted interest from Premier League side Brighton.
Kyle Walker-Peters is a player who has flourished in his managers’ system, playing in all but three of their Championship matches while recording three goals and two assists.
As a result of his performances, the Englishman was the only Saints player to be named in the Championship Team of the Season, with the 27-year-old paying his dues to Martin following his fine campaign.
Speaking to Football Daily at the EFL awards, Walker-Peters said what he loves about Martin: “I love it, he’s a really really intelligent coach. He has clear ideas and he gives you the confidence to put those ideas on the pitch.”
Russell Martin committed his future to Southampton
Martin’s style and tactics have followed him on his managerial journey. He’s therefore a good fit for a forward-thinking club like Brighton.
Links with the Seagulls emerged last week amid concerns over Roberto De Zerbi’s future, but the Englishman has dismissed any rumours and has affirmed his commitment to the task at hand with Southampton.
Pressure has ramped up on Martin to get Saints back up to the Premier League, and while it would be a disaster if they don’t, the young manager will have learnt a lot about his first season at the club.
He’s the man they want to lead them into a long-term project, so comments from himself regarding his future and Walker-Peters’ admiration towards him are refreshing to see.