Leicester City manager Russell Martin has opened up about the mounting criticism directed at him, saying it has "become really personal" from sections of the media and supporters. Martin also admitted he is at a loss to explain why he "upsets so many people."

A difficult return to League One

The 40-year-old finds himself under intense scrutiny after Leicester suffered a 4-0 defeat to Oxford United in League One last Saturday — their second loss in five games. The result left the 2016 Premier League champions sitting 18th in the third tier, a historic low for the 142-year-old club that has endured consecutive relegations from the Premier League and the Championship.

Martin's high-possession, passing style — the same philosophy that defined his 123-day tenure at Rangers in the Scottish Premiership — has drawn sharp criticism since arriving at the King Power Stadium, with the slow start to the campaign amplifying the scrutiny.

Martin speaks out

"It has become really personal from some guys in the media and definitely from fans," Martin told BBC East Midlands Today. "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."

He went on to describe a conversation with one of his players that struck a chord: "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."

Players back their manager

Despite the external pressure, Martin retains the support of his squad. Captain Harry Souttar was blunt in shouldering responsibility, stating the Oxford defeat was "solely down to the players." Defender Jayden Joseph, 20, added that the group believes the manager's approach simply needs "time and patience" to bear fruit.

Former Leicester City forward Matt Piper labelled the performance against Oxford "a sackable performance," while another ex-Fox, Matt Heath, questioned whether fans would ever warm to the style of play. Martin, however, is unshaken.

Committed to his philosophy

"Speak to the players and people I've worked with, and people who have never seen it and have maybe watched a few clips of some bits, and it's very different perception and reality," Martin said. "But I guess when you try to do something that is a bit different to some, then it's always there to be shot at."

The Leicester boss acknowledged he "needs to do better, improve and learn" while also doubling down on his footballing beliefs. "I love what I do, I love my job and love always trying to develop people and players by playing in a way where I think they can bring the best version of themselves," he said. "Sometimes it takes time."

Martin reflected on the period he spent away from management after leaving Rangers, using the time to study different styles of football. He remains optimistic that results will eventually reflect the work being done. "The most frustrating thing is that I've enjoyed the process here so much so far and it's not quite shown with the results, but I'm convinced it will," he said. "Ultimately I'll keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully we will be really successful — and I really believe we can be."