Russell Martin admitted it was “incredibly painful and embarrassing” that his Southampton side had picked up just five points from their opening 15 Premier League matches.
The Saints won promotion back to the top flight last season via the play-offs, but found the step up in quality too much, winning just one game – against fellow strugglers Everton.
Individual errors spoiled Saints' progress but Martin remains confident there are better times ahead.
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Speaking ahead of Sunday evening's clash with Tottenham at St Mary's, he said: “We shouldn't be at the points we are at. It's very painful and embarrassing to be on five points, and we should get more.
“But there were quite a few mistakes and quite a few moments that we didn't handle well.
“We've had disappointments in games and setbacks, but we have to keep trying to grow – grow as a group, grow individually and prepare the players for those moments when it's difficult, and find ways for them to cope emotionally.
“But they're growing, they're getting better, and they're very competitive.”
Martin knows what Postecoglou is going through
Martin has faced criticism for his style of play with many of the above errors occurring due to his insistence on playing from the back.
He therefore sympathizes with his counterpart this weekend, Ange Postecoglou, who has also been accused of stubbornness due to his refusal to stray from his all-out attacking philosophy.
Martin added: “I get criticized for the same thing, about stubbornness and all that stuff, but if you believe in something and it takes you to a certain way in life, to deviate so much from that is crazy.
“I can't speak for him but we're adapting too. We're adapting to the format, the approach, the personnel but with the same consistency about what's important to us, and the same concept of the game. We can't deviate too much from that otherwise we're really nothing.
“Everyone is quick to criticize these days and I have a lot of respect for him.”
It's good to be different from the norm – Martin
Martin believes different approaches enhance the game, even if they leave managers open to doubts when results dip.
“People only criticize those who are a little different from the norm,” he said. “So, if we all believed the same thing, it would be very boring, but we would be less open to criticism.
“I watched a lot of his (Postikoglou) Celtic team, they were fantastic. They got a lot of praise for being brave and aggressive. He did a great job, winning a lot of titles and playing in the Champions League.
“He went to Tottenham and started well, so when the results are good, no one questions his style, his convictions or his beliefs. Then the moment he starts to falter, it always comes back to that.
