Martin reveals what he told Southampton team about Adams at Leicester

Martin revealed he also singled Adams out in front of the players in the King Power Stadium dressing room at full-time. 

Adams played 85 minutes of the embarrassing loss before he was rested by the boss ahead of Saturday's clash with Stoke City.

The result means Saints have lost back-to-back games again, having been beaten 2-1 by Cardiff City despite dominating in the Welsh capital.

Asked what he said to his players in Leicester, Martin said: "What can you say after that? I told them I didn't like it. 

Wilfred Ndidi scores the second goal at King Power Stadium (Image: PA)

"I told them Che Adams is out of contract in the summer. He's the one person probably with an excuse in there.

"An excuse if he didn't really want to be all in and really show care and work so hard for his team. He does that more than anyone. 

"So it's inexcusable for anyone else to not do that," Martin continued. "I need to question my own mentality with the players.

"They need to question theirs for sure because it’s not acceptable in the last two games what’s happened for the amount of good play they have.

“You can play any way you want – put the ball forward, play second balls, but if you don’t want to fight and run for each other and defend properly, you’re always going to be in trouble.

“I’m sure the style of play will be blamed, but it’s not that. It’s about mentality, it’s about courage, it’s about guts, it’s about adding value to your teammates.

"That dressing room on Saturday and tonight, not enough of that.”