29 December 2023 , 21:56
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Southampton boss Russell Martin admitted he had "no interest in saying hello" to Rishi Sunak as he watched his team beat Plymouth Argyle.
The Saints continued their impressive run by securing another three points on the south coast, keeping their grip on third place. The PM was in attendance as he took time out to cheer on his side, who won courtesy of goals from Carlos Alcaraz and Che Adams.
The Conservatives, now led by Sunak, have proved to be very divisive during their time in Government and Martin was prepared to be up front about his views and about engaging with the man from No 10.
The Saints boss was quizzed on the Prime Minister being in attendance at St Mary's and told the BBC : “He might have come down, but I have absolutely no interest in saying hello. How’s that for honesty.”
He then added: "I just made a joke on BBC that I had no interest (in Sunak being present) I am a football manager, and I'm not sure we are aligned on too much politically. But I know he is a fan, and I hope he enjoyed watching the team. I didn't meet him, I'm sure some people were excited about it but we had a job to do, win a match, and we did."
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Sunak was last seen at St Mary's to see Southampton play in their final Premier League match last term. The Saints' fate had already been sealed but before they headed down to the Championship managed to hold Liverpool in what was an eight-goal thriller.
Russell was impressed with his side's effort after Plymouth wrongly had a headed goal disallowed for offside in the first half: “The players were so good for the 90 minutes – but the last seven minutes were mental. I know they feel very aggrieved about the decision, but if they had gone 1-0 up I don’t think it would have been hugely deserved. We were so dominant and should have scored earlier.
Russell Martin saw his side extend their unbeaten run“It was a big learning curve for the lads but I am not going to get too annoyed with them, because overall they were so good. They themselves were a bit flat, which I love.
“Ours were both brilliant goals, and the message at half time was to keep attacking and making space. We stayed patient and got our rewards.”