SAINTS manager Russell Martin says he could coach "really, really excellently" in a different style - but will not as he does not believe in it.

Saints are winless in six matches so far this campaign, having picked up their sole point in a home clash with relegation rivals Ipswich Town.

Martin, 38, is feeling the pressure in his first season as a Premier League boss but reiterated again that he will not deviate from his principles.

Martin's style has been called into question as Saints have averaged 60.2 per cent possession but conceded 10 goals in their last four matches.

It follows shipping 63 in the Championship campaign. Ahead of facing Arsenal, Martin was asked directly whether he could coach any differently.

He responded: "I've played in many other ways of playing and I can coach in a different way really, really excellently without the ball.

"I can coach that no problem but I don't believe in it so I won't be able to convince the lads to believe in it either." 

After the press conference formally finished, Martin quipped he would "go 4-4-2 and bank up" for Saturday's daunting trip to Emirates Stadium.

The same reporter had made the comparison to possession-based Burnley, who finished 19th last season under principled boss Vincent Kompany. 

Despite that, Bayern hired the Belgian, to which Martin bluntly responded: "I'm not Vincent Kompany so I'm not going to get a job at Bayern Munich."

Martin insists he still feels the support of the fans after a small group stayed to clap him and his side off despite the 3-1 defeat at AFC Bournemouth. 

Martin said: "I bumped into a few on Wednesday and they've been amazing. Fans, owners, players, staff, I don't think anyone thought it was going to be easy.

"I also still feel we really believe that we can achieve what we want to achieve. It's not done in the first month or two of the season. We need to keep adapting.

"With time and patience, we'll be okay. I really believe that. Are we in a better place than we were over a year ago when we first walked in? I believe so.

"I think the supporters hopefully will feel that, albeit in a tough moment. I've not been unhappy with too much of it apart from that half hour on Monday.

"But I think they've seen enough signs, the supporters, to really believe that the team can grow to do something and be a team they are proud of."