Martin expects Southampton players to work hard amid transfer rumours

Southampton have undergone a summer of change following their relegation from the Premier League last campaign.

In addition to Martin's arrival on the South Coast from Swansea, the club now have a new director of football in Jason Wilcox, a new coaching staff and various other higher-ups changes.

Mislav Orsic remains the only senior player who was still contracted to the club to exit St Mary’s this summer, however, further departures are to be expected following relegation to the Championship.

Romeo Lavia has been linked with a move to a top four club, although no official bid has been made, and Newcastle have expressed an interest in Tino Livramento.

READ MORE: Southampton FC: Russell Martin 'aims' to give youngsters a chance

Despite a number of his players being linked with moves away from the club, Martin is keen to ensure all of his players are best prepared for their season opener against Sheffield Wednesday on Friday, August 5.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, the former Scotland international said: “I think we have to convince them of a way of doing things and make them look really good and win a lot.

“This season is going to be very different in terms of approach because it’s been changed with loads of personnel, Jason and myself and the staff that I have brought, the people [that] have left the club.

“I think change brings a freshness. Our job is to get as much detail into them, as many miles into the legs as we possibly can so they are ready for the first game of the season and beyond that."

Southampton got their pre-season training underway last month and are now preparing to travel to Turkey, where they will face Sport Republic sister club Goztepe in a friendly on Saturday, July, 15.

Martin, who only retired from his playing career in 2019, has been seen getting involved with training sessions at Staplewood, as he looks to transform Saints playing style in his image.

“It’s good to finally get to the fun bit,” the 37 year old added. “The people are great, and the place is amazing.

“The players have been really good. I’ve been really pleased with the way they've trained, applied themselves and given everything. The staff have been fantastic in terms of support. So yeah, it's been good.”

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Martin’s task of getting his players up to speed has been eased by Wilcox taking charge of transfer recruitment, meaning the retired defender can focus all of his attention on what happens on the training pitch.

“I can just really focus on managing the group of players that we have [and] remind them of why they are here and what they have sacrificed in their lives to be here and the disappointment of last year, of course.

“But we have every opportunity to put it right and hopefully put their best version of themselves on the pitch. That’s my job as a coach and it’s our job as coaches and people to try and do that for them.

The former Swansea City manager continued: "I learned really quickly to not have any expectations in people because it builds resentment. So, I have no expectations other than people to train properly, to work hard and to be ready to play.

“What they can expect from us is that we just give them everything we’ve got; all the energy, as much tactical information so that when they go on a pitch they are as comfortable as possible with the new role.

“They have clarity and consistency in how we behave and what we want from them as well. I think that’s really important for any leader in any management and in any team. We will give them that and all I ask in return is they will give us everything they’ve got physically.”