Leicester Boss Russell Martin Hits Back at Critics, Says Attacks Have Turned "Really Personal"

Leicester City manager Russell Martin says he is baffled by the level of criticism aimed at him, admitting he doesn't understand why he "upsets so many people."

The 40-year-old has come under heavy fire this week after Leicester were thumped 4-0 by Oxford United in League One on Saturday. It was the club's second loss in five games, a rough patch for a side now sitting 18th in the table, the lowest position in Leicester's 142-year history.

Martin, who took charge after a brief 123-day stint at Rangers last season, says the same criticism of his possession-based passing style that followed him north of the border has now caught up with him at the King Power Stadium.

"It has become really personal from some guys in the media and definitely from fans," Martin told BBC East Midlands Today.

He added that while the pressure doesn't bother him much personally, it takes a toll on those close to him.

"It doesn't affect me too much, genuinely, but it is really difficult for the people around me, who know me and understand me and know what I am," he said. "I don't know why I upset so many people. One of the players asked me this week why I am so criticised outside of here, because obviously they see stuff, and I can't answer it."

The backlash has been fierce from pundits. Former Leicester forward Matt Piper called the Oxford defeat a "sackable performance," while ex-Foxes player Matt Heath has questioned whether fans will ever fully buy into Martin's style of play.

Despite the outside noise, Martin's own dressing room appears to be standing firmly behind him. Captain Harry Souttar took full responsibility for the Oxford result, saying it was "solely down to the players." Young defender Jayden Joseph echoed that support, insisting the squad believes the manager's approach just needs "time and patience" to click.

Martin himself pointed to a gap between perception and reality when it comes to how his methods are viewed from the outside.

"Speak to the players and people I've worked with, and [then] people who have never seen it and have maybe watched a few clips of some bits, and it's very different perception and reality," he said. "But I guess when you try do something that is a bit different to some, then it's always there to be shot at."

He admitted there is room to improve but made clear he has no plans to abandon his footballing philosophy.

"I love what I do, I love my job and love always trying to develop people and players by playing in a way where I think they can bring the best version of themselves," Martin said. "Sometimes it takes time. It's not easy, but I will always choose to try to embark on something that I really believe in that focuses on trying to develop whilst winning. And maybe I'm in the wrong job for that."

He also revealed that his time away from football following his Rangers exit helped him sharpen his approach.

"There is enough feeling from me and the players I work with that it can be really brilliant at times," he said. "I always have to keep learning and I spent a long time out of the game after Rangers and spent a lot of time watching different football and trying to sharpen my tools."

Martin ended on a note of confidence, insisting the results will eventually catch up with the process.

"The most frustrating thing is that I've enjoyed the process here so much so far and it's not quite shown with the results, but I'm convinced it will," he said. "Otherwise, I wouldn't do it. So ultimately I'll keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully we will be really successful and I really believe we can be."