By Paul Jones
Russell Martin insists he has been “energised” by another troubled Swansea City defeat that ended with a red card for the head coach.
Despite being sent off following a stoppage time bust up with Luton Town – and a fifth defeat in seven games – Martin believes there are signs of fight that can stop the Swans’ freefall.
A 1-0 loss to the Hatters leaves Swansea in 17th place – 11 points above the relegation zone with 11 matches of an imploding season remaining.
But Martin reckons his team’s fortunes may be about to turn and said: “I can accept defeat if we show that fight, show that mentality, show that togetherness and show that energy and the courage to play, which they did on a really difficult pitch in the second half.
“I loved that, so we need more of that. The fans’ energy was excellent, they were brilliant, so we’re disappointed we haven’t got something from the game but the performance has energised me, especially the second half.”
Carlton Morris scored his 14th goal of the season for Luton although the visitors had a Liam Cullen goal chalked off for offside which could have earned them a point.
Russell Martin: Swansea City boss says he is not under pressure after Luton red card – https://t.co/O237YiAhmv{
Russell Martin (left) and Richie Kyle (right) were dismissed after the meleeRussell Martin insisted he is under no pressure from Swansea City's owners after he was … pic.twitter.com/E5cQUB72Tr— Eric Thompson (@isearch247) March 4, 2023
“We scored a good goal, which was not offside, which is frustrating, in fact it’s very frustrating,” added Martin.
The Swans chief and Luton assistant Richie Kyle were given their marching orders in the final minutes following an altercation between both benches.
“(Luton boss) Rob (Edwards) saw something on the pitch, I didn’t as I was following play. I like Rob, he is an ex-team-mate of mine, but he jumped on the pitch and I told him to get off,” said Martin.
I Started It, Says Rob Edwards
“Richie got involved, and I just nudged him to get out of the way really.
“It has ended up in what it ended up in, and two red cards, which I don’t think was necessary really.
“It is what it is.”
Luton manager Edwards said: “I probably started it all off by appealing.
Russell Martin insisted he is under no pressure from Swansea City's owners after he was sent off during their defeat at Luton Town 😬#BBCFootball
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) March 5, 2023
“I felt there was a hand to the face, I’ll have a look back, whatever it was, I appealed.
“It’s just emotions running high and two teams desperate to win and fighting – not literally fighting – and desperate to win, and that was all it was.
“So, it’s probably one of those boring ones, but there was a coming together, a bit of handbags, but nothing else.
“I’m a lover not a fighter. I appealed and then backed off really and left Richie, my bodyguard, to look after me.
“I don’t think anything happened really, it was pretty boring. It was a coming together, it was nothing, just a lot of passion and emotion.
“Both teams were pretty desperate to win and that was it is. Russ is a very athletic man. I wouldn’t want to get in any trouble with him.
“We’ve just had a chat outside and it’s all fine. We’re all good.”