Oct 01, V7N - Southampton coach Russell Martin expressed his frustration and disappointment following his team's 3-1 defeat to south-coast rivals Bournemouth in the Premier League on Monday. The loss left Southampton at the bottom of the table, with only one point from their first six matches, prompting Martin to emphasize the need for a significant turnaround.

Martin criticized his players for their lack of fighting spirit, stating, "We were soft." He noted that Bournemouth's aggressive play, which included making 20 fouls compared to Southampton's 10, illustrated the disparity in effort and determination. "If you don't want to run and fight properly... then it's going to be a problem," he added, highlighting the team's failure to engage in duels and compete effectively during the first half.

Despite the disappointing performance, Martin took responsibility for the team's lack of preparation, saying, "We looked like we were unprepared for that," referring to Bournemouth's approach to the game. He acknowledged that he had communicated the importance of being ready but felt it was not enough to motivate the players."I will never, ever come out of here and blame the group of players; we are together," Martin stated. However, he expressed his hurt over the team's spirit and fight, indicating that it is his responsibility as the leader to address these issues.

With the Saints struggling to find their footing in the league, Martin's comments reflect a pressing need for improvement as they aim to avoid relegation. The upcoming matches will be crucial for Southampton as they seek to regain their competitive edge and instill a stronger fighting spirit within the squad.

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