Martin accepts fan anger as Leicester sporting director backs him after difficult start

Russell Martin accepted responsibility for Leicester City's performance after supporters called for his dismissal during the defeat by Peterborough United. BBC Sport reported that sporting director James McCarron had publicly backed the manager before Saturday's game.

Watch the highlights:

McCarron said he remained convinced Martin was the right appointment, explaining that Leicester wanted a side capable of controlling possession and territory. He pointed to 30 summer transfers as a reason the team needed time to settle and produce consistent performances following the squad's overhaul.

Martin said he understood the anger directed at him because he was responsible for the team, but rejected the idea that replacing the manager would provide a rapid solution. He also called for greater aggression from his players when matches become difficult.

The immediate backdrop was a 3-1 home loss at King Power Stadium on 10 October. According to Sky Sports' match report, Robbie Savage won his first league match as Peterborough manager, with all three visiting goals arriving before the interval. Leicester could reduce the deficit only once after the break.

Owura Edwards opened the scoring in the 12th minute after moving inside from the left and beating Olabade Aluko. Harry Leonard then converted a chance created by Bolu Shofowoke, who had overcome Luke Thomas' challenge. The visitors' third came when Warren O'Hora diverted an Ethan Williams effort into his own goal, leaving Leicester three goals behind at half-time.

Martin made three substitutions at the interval. Leicester eventually scored in the 68th minute, when Wes Burns supplied Emil Riis for a close-range finish into an unguarded net. Sky Sports reported that it was their 20th attempt. Peterborough goalkeeper Alex Bass subsequently denied Kamari Doyle, while Danny Ormerod nearly added another for the visitors. The defeat was Leicester's third at home in the league this season.

BBC Sport also reported midfielder John Lundstram's admission that anxiety was affecting Leicester's players in their home performances, who he believed were performing below their capabilities.