Southampton manager Russell Martin's Italian getaway turned into a nightmare as furious Saints supporters turned on him during their team's humiliating 4-0 defeat to Rangers in Naples.
The pre-season friendly, intended as a bonding exercise ahead of the Premier League campaign, descended into chaos as travelling fans made their feelings crystal clear. Chants of 'You're getting sacked in the morning' echoed around the stadium as Martin watched his side collapse.
Holiday From Hell
What was supposed to be a pleasant trip to Italy quickly soured as Southampton's performance unravelled. The comprehensive defeat exposed worrying defensive frailties that will give Martin serious cause for concern with the new season rapidly approaching.
Fans who had travelled to support their team found themselves witnessing a demolition job, with Rangers running riot against a Saints side that looked alarmingly unprepared.
Model Behaviour
Adding an unexpected twist to the evening, former Page 3 model Lucy Pinder was spotted in the crowd. The celebrity Southampton supporter, known for her long-standing loyalty to the club, witnessed firsthand the unfolding disaster on the pitch.
Her presence provided little distraction from the mounting pressure on Martin, whose position is already under scrutiny despite recently guiding the team to promotion.
Mounting Pressure
The reaction from the stands sends a clear message to the Southampton hierarchy. Supporters expect significant improvement after investing time and money to follow their team abroad.
With Premier League football just around the corner, Martin faces a race against time to address the issues exposed in Naples and win back the confidence of the travelling faithful.
The Italian job has left the Southampton manager with plenty to ponder as he prepares his squad for the challenges ahead in England's top flight.
