Fonte warns Southampton about 'quality' following poor start to season

Russell Martin's Southampton sit bottom of the Premier League table with just four points from the opening 11 games.

Saints are the lowest scorers in the division. They have only found the net seven times and failed to register a shot on target at Wolves, who have the worst defensive record in the league.

Summer signing Cameron Archer is the current top scorer with four goals and is closely followed by defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis on three.

Fonte told JeffBet: "I don’t know if Southampton have enough quality to stay in the Premier League - but I love Russell Martin

READ MORE: Why Southampton look so toothless and can Martin solve it?

Russell Martin has won just one game as a Premier League manager (Image: PA) "I’m glad to see Southampton get the first win out of the way, hopefully, they can take confidence in that going forward then it was a tough game against Wolves.

"One thing I love about Russell Martin is that he has a clear philosophy. He has his way of playing and this is important. Everyone knows exactly how he wants you to play. 

"My concern is that I just don't know if they have the quality and the goals to stay in the Premier League when it comes to scoring goals and being able to hurt defences.

"It’s never easy in the Premier League but we know they can play good football, it’s just about finding that consistency. I like Russell a lot and hope they can find a way."

Fonte recently returned to St Mary's to feature in a charity match for Saints Legends against a Russell Martin XI.

The exhibition game raised funds for various charities, including the Saints Foundation and the Russell Martin Foundation.

Former Saints skipper Jose Fonte (Credit: PA)Fonte scored an unfortunate own goal after a moment of miscommunication with former teammate Kelvin Davis, but that did not deter him from enjoying the afternoon.

READ MORE: Jose Fonte admits Southampton move was 'best decision' of his life

"It’s just like we’ve never been apart," he said last month. "It was amazing – just to be on the pitch, to see some familiar faces, I recognised even some supporters, some people from the staff.

"It was a real pleasure to be here, to come back and I loved it. Obviously, it’s special. It means the world. Almost 300 games for this shirt, a lot of good memories, success, wins after wins.

"This club means a lot to me, so I’m super happy for today and I wish the actual team all the best for the rest of the season. 

“When there is a Premier League game and Saints are on TV back home, I will watch it. It’s a club that is special, and I always keep an eye out when I can.”