Leicester City manager Russell Martin has hit back at what he describes as 'really personal' abuse, questioning why he 'upsets so many people' amid the club's difficult start to the EFL League One season.
The 40-year-old is facing calls for the sack after a testing beginning with the Foxes, who were relegated to England's third tier last season. Last weekend's 4-0 defeat at Oxford United left the club 18th in the table with just one win from five matches, and former Leicester winger Matt Piper described the performance as a 'sackable' offence for Martin.
Martin responds to criticism
Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's trip to Stockport, Martin said: "It has become really personal from some guys in the media and definitely from fans."
"It is what it is, and I have to deal with it. It doesn't affect me too much, genuinely, but it is really difficult for the people around me, who know me and understand me and know what I am."
"I don't know why I upset so many people. One of the players asked me this week why I am so criticised outside of here, because obviously they see stuff, and I can't answer it."
Previous abuse at Rangers
Martin lifted the lid on personal abuse he received last October after being subjected to chants from his own fans following Rangers' last-gasp away win against Livingston. Days later he was sacked following a 1-1 draw at Falkirk.
Speaking after the Livingston fixture, he said: "I walked straight down the tunnel on Sunday because I wanted the players to enjoy it. They deserved to enjoy it because they played really well in the first half especially."
"There is a narrative that it was late and Livingston were unlucky. But we deserved to win the game."
"So I wanted the players to enjoy it - then people can choose to turn their attention to me. I just wish at that point they could enjoy their team winning rather than that energy coming towards me."
"The only thing I find sad is when I see kids standing next to their dads and sticking their fingers up at me or swearing at me. I don't feel particularly sad about that for me. I feel it’s more about that cycle going on."
"Look, I'm here and we've made mistakes. There's been some tough moments, but we're giving everything we've got to improve the club. As is Kevin (Thelwell), Patrick (Stewart) and the owners."
"When you have so much change - and it's not an excuse - but I think it's pretty evident it might take some time. So the criticism aimed at me is fine. I’ve actually had a lot of fans come up to me in the city telling me to ignore it. They feel it's gone quite some way over the normal criticism."
