Russell Martin, when asked what a successful season for Southampton would look like, described it as one where he is still manager in May and Saints stay in the Premier League.
It seemed very much like odds against both at the end of a thrilling, rollercoaster afternoon at St Mary’s, where Martin heard roars of approval as Southampton led 2-0 against Leicester City at half-time turn to full fury as they contrived to lose 3-2.
Martin’s passing principles have become a major talking point already this season, the manager refusing to budge an inch on his insistence on how the game must be played despite mounting evidence that he – or at least something – must change or both the manager and Southampton will be in serious trouble.