adminRussell Martin has broken his silence amid growing pressure on his position at Leicester City following the club’s embarrassing start to life in League One and their latest disappointing result.
The Leicester boss has endured a difficult opening to his time at the King Power Stadium, with City failing to win either of their first two League One matches. They drew with Notts County on the opening day before suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Burton Albion.
The poor results have already raised questions about Martin’s position, particularly after Leicester’s embarrassing cup exit added to the frustration surrounding the club.
Martin’s future has consequently become a major talking point, with supporters demanding a reaction from the manager and questioning whether his possession-based style of football is suitable for the squad he has inherited.
However, Martin has insisted on the importance of continuing to work with his players rather than allowing the difficult start to completely derail his plans.
His position comes at a particularly difficult time for Leicester, who are now playing in the lowest division in their 142-year history after last season’s relegation to League One.
The pressure has been intensified by expectations surrounding the club. Leicester remain among the favourites for promotion, meaning anything less than a serious challenge for the top places is likely to increase scrutiny on Martin.
Speaking on the BBC’s ’72+ EFL podcast’, former EFL managers and pundits also discussed the problems facing Martin.
Aaron Paul questioned whether the manager’s rigid tactical approach could work with Leicester’s current squad.
“In my heart of hearts, I don’t think this is right,” Paul said.
“Because he is so rigid on the style of play and this is how we’re going to do it.
“When it doesn’t work, the supporters are going to get frustrated.”
Jobi McAnuff also questioned whether Leicester’s players are suited to the way Martin wants them to play, pointing to concerns over their ability to consistently operate under pressure.
But Tranmere Rovers boss Darrell Clarke offered Martin some much-needed support and urged Leicester supporters to give the manager more time.
“The place is carnage guys,” Clarke said.
“There are so many things. The owners have put the club up for sale. There are senior players that think they are miles better than their level.”
Clarke believes Martin should not be judged after only a handful of matches and argued that the manager’s preferred style requires time to properly implement.
“His history will tell you, that takes time,” Clarke added. “Sometimes it’s short-term pain for long-term gain.”
The Tranmere boss believes Leicester could eventually turn their fortunes around if Martin is allowed to work through the problems currently surrounding the club.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they were in the top 10 and pushing in the top six after then,” Clarke said.
For Martin, however, the message is clear: the pressure is already building.
Leicester’s next results will be crucial, with the manager needing to convince supporters that his methods can deliver the promotion challenge the club expects.
While there has been no confirmed decision that Martin is leaving Leicester, the growing questions over his future show just how quickly the pressure has mounted following the disappointing start and embarrassing cup setback.
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