Russell Martin says he cannot explain why he "upsets so many people" and feels that scrutiny of his work at Leicester City has "become really personal" from sections of the media and the fanbase.

The 40-year-old spoke out this week after Leicester dropped to 18th in League One, described by the club as an all-time low in their 142-year history. The immediate trigger was Saturday's 4-0 defeat to Oxford United, Leicester's second loss in five third-tier fixtures this season.

The pressure builds

Back-to-back relegations from the Premier League and the Championship have left the Foxes navigating League One, and results so far have sharpened questions about whether Martin's possession-heavy, high-tempo passing style is the right fit for the division.

"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, who know me and understand me and know what I am."

Former Foxes forward Matt Piper called the Oxford result "a sackable performance", and ex-Leicester player Matt Heath questioned whether supporters would ever warm to the approach. Martin, however, says he cannot square that external noise with what he sees on the training ground each day.

"I don't know why I upset so many people," he said. "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 the manager

Crucially, the dressing room appears united behind Martin. Captain Harry Souttar said the Oxford defeat was "solely down to the players", taking the blame away from the manager's tactical setup. Twenty-year-old defender Jayden Joseph added that the squad believes the philosophy simply needs "time and patience" to bear fruit.

Martin himself acknowledged that improvement is required, but he stopped well short of questioning his own methods.

"I need to do better, improve and learn," he said. "But 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. Sometimes it takes time."

Committed to the process

The manager referenced the period he spent away from management after his 123-day stint in charge of Rangers last season, saying he used that time to watch different football and "sharpen my tools".

"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," Martin said. "But I'm convinced it will. 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."

Leicester face a difficult run in the coming weeks if they are to drag themselves away from the wrong end of the League One table. With the side sitting 18th, Martin will know that belief alone will not silence his critics for long; points on the board are the only currency that counts in the third tier.

Frequently asked

Why is Russell Martin under pressure at Leicester City?
Leicester have made a slow start to the League One season, including a 4-0 loss to Oxford United, leaving them 18th in the table. Critics have questioned whether Martin's possession-based style suits the third tier.
What league are Leicester City in right now?
Leicester City are currently playing in League One, England's third tier, after suffering back-to-back relegations from the Premier League and Championship.
Do Leicester City's players support Russell Martin?
Yes. Captain Harry Souttar said the Oxford defeat was 'solely down to the players', while defender Jayden Joseph stated the squad believes the manager's approach needs time and patience to work.