"I don't think the manager should get sacked tonight, but that is a sackable performance." Russell Martin's Leicester City slumped to a new depths on Saturday when they were hammered 4-0 at home by Oxford United, conceding three second-half goals in just 20 minutes. It was their heaviest-ever defeat in the third tier and marked an all-time low in the club's otherwise proud 142-year history, despondent fans told BBC Radio Leicester at full-time. Not long ago the Foxes were the darlings of English football, a living fairytale after their 2015-16 Premier League title win against all odds.
Many had expected them to stroll through League One after their unexpected relegation last term - their second in as many seasons - but life back in the third tier under the divisive Martin has been far more difficult than envisaged. Granted, it is still early days, but those who watch the club regularly are already concerned. "This manager doesn't seem to want to move away, at all, from the pass them to death, that's how we will win a football match," says former Leicester player and BBC Radio Leicester match summariser Matt Piper.
"I'm an advocate of that style when your team is playing well and can execute it in the way that you want it. I'm also an advocate of winning football matches and you can do that in many different ways. "We have only seen one way from this manager.
My fingers are pointing at him this afternoon, even though the team didn't play well. Martin is already under pressure from sections of the club's fanbase, who made their feelings clear during Saturday's defeat. Oxford Utd thump Leicester to heap pressure on Martin Martin's reputation on line as he tries to halt Leicester slide After five league games, he has just one win with two draws and two defeats.
Following a disastrous spell at Rangers, which lasted just 123 days, and his sacking from Southampton, with whom he earned just one win in 16 Premier League games after leading them to promotion, he too is in need of a revival. While disappointed with the performance against Oxford, which followed an impressive 2-0 midweek win over potential promotion rivals Plymouth Argyle, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the project at the King Power Stadium. "I'm not concerned about that happening again," he told BBC Radio Leicester.
"I feel I understand what's happened today with so many young guys and a tough moment. We can't quite get through it and after a big, busy period. "We will be better for it.
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