Russell Martin has spoken candidly about the criticism directed at him since taking charge of Leicester City, saying condemnation of his methods has "become really personal" and that he cannot explain why he "upsets so many people".

The 40-year-old manager made the comments to BBC East Midlands Today in the wake of a difficult week for the club, who sit 18th in League One after losing 4-0 to Oxford United on Saturday. It was Leicester's second defeat in five third-tier fixtures and leaves the Foxes in a position the club's 142-year history has never previously seen.

"It has become really personal from some guys in the media and definitely from fans," Martin said. "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, who know me and understand me and know what I am."

The scrutiny focuses largely on Martin's high-possession, passing-based approach. Critics argue that a side with Leicester's budget and resources should be producing results to match their ambition, while Martin contends that the philosophy simply requires time and patience to take hold.

"I don't know why I upset so many people," he admitted. "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 remain in Martin's corner

Despite the external pressure, the mood inside the dressing room appears to be supportive. Captain Harry Souttar has publicly placed the blame for the Oxford defeat squarely on the players' shoulders, while 20-year-old defender Jayden Joseph said the squad believes the manager's approach just needs time to click.

That backing from within has given Martin visible confidence. He acknowledged he must keep learning and improving, but refused to abandon the footballing identity he has built across his managerial career.

"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. It's not easy, but I will always choose to try to embark on something that I really believe in."

Context matters in the third tier

Leicester's presence in League One is itself the product of two successive relegations, dropping from the Premier League and then the Championship in back-to-back seasons. A return to the third tier was always going to present unique challenges, not least the expectation management of a fanbase and a club infrastructure built for a higher level.

Martin arrived with a track record of building attractive, coherent sides but also with the memory of a short-lived 123-day spell at Rangers fresh in the public mind. Critics have used that experience as evidence that his methods struggle under scrutiny; his supporters point to the need for any manager to be given a meaningful run of games before judgement is passed.

For their part, Leicester's players appear to have bought into what Martin is building. "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," the manager said.

What comes next for Leicester

The table will remain the most unforgiving measure of whether Martin's ideas are translating into points. Sitting 18th, the Foxes are closer to the relegation places than the promotion picture right now, and each fixture without a win adds weight to the calls for change from outside the dressing room.

Martin, however, is clear on his intent. "I'm convinced it will [come good]. Otherwise, I wouldn't do it. So ultimately I'll keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully we will be really successful and I really believe we can be."

Whether the patience required exists in sufficient supply, from supporters and from the board, is the central question hanging over King Power Stadium as the League One season builds momentum around them.

Frequently asked

Why is Russell Martin being criticised at Leicester City?
Martin's high-possession, passing-based style has drawn criticism because results have not matched expectations. Leicester are 18th in League One after losing 4-0 to Oxford United, prompting intense scrutiny of his methods both from fans and sections of the media.
What league position are Leicester City in right now?
Leicester City are currently 18th in League One, which the club describe as an all-time low in their 142-year history.
Do Leicester City's players support Russell Martin?
Yes. Captain Harry Souttar said the Oxford United defeat was solely the players' fault, and defender Jayden Joseph stated the squad believes Martin's philosophy just needs time and patience to work.