Leicester City fans have voiced their displeasure with manager Russell Martin following the team's heavy 4-0 defeat at home to Oxford United in League One. The loss marks the club's worst ever in the third tier and leaves them 17th in the table with one win, two draws, and two losses.
Ten years after their Premier League title win, Leicester City now face the prospect of further seasons in lower divisions. Many had expected the team to bounce back immediately to the Championship after suffering a second consecutive relegation. However, the team's current form has fallen short of expectations.
Manager Russell Martin cited the inexperience of his young squad as a contributing factor to the weekend's result. He included five players under the age of 23, including two teenagers, in the starting lineup. The substitutes brought on were also all under 23.
"I feel I understand what's happened today with so many young guys and a tough moment. We can't quite get through it and after a big, busy period," Martin told BBC Radio Leicester. "We will be better for it. We have a week now and we have to make sure we put it right next week."
He added, "We had a lot of players who were doing a third game in a week for the first time in their careers, but it's not an excuse. But I think that's the learning now - we have to find a team on the pitch, especially in a three-game week that can deliver a consistent level of aggression and a consistent level of energy because the last three games we have built so much energy, so much feel-good factor about it. The players and staff, the fans have been brilliant and we had to build on the win on Tuesday night and today we have done the opposite."
These comments drew criticism from supporters on social media, who felt Martin was blaming the younger players. One fan wrote, "He just can't help himself. Blaming the kids at the end… wow. The one thing the fans have really got behind is the young players, and you've just thrown them under the bus. Not sure how you come back from this, Russell Martin."
Another supporter commented, "Leaders lead from the front, take responsibility and face it head on …not this poor excuse as a manager, blaming younger players and not his tactics and choice of captain, disgraceful."
Critics also pointed to Martin's perceived tactical shortcomings and his management style. "This is worse than we thought... He doesn't think this is on him, his tactics & his suicidal style of play.. but inexperience & three games a week instead! Takes some balls to be having your pants pulled down by the likes of St Mirren/Falkirk/Burton/Oxford & still be this delusional," another user posted.
One fan stated, "Nonsense. We were exposed today by every single issue that was there in the other two games this past week. The only naivety (stupidity) is from the manager."
Martin will aim to improve the team's performance and address fan concerns when Leicester City travels to face Stockport County on Saturday.