Southampton has fired Russell Martin just before its Carabao Cup quarter-final tie with Liverpool this week following a particularly brutal 5-0 thrashing from Tottenham at home in the Premier League.

The crushing defeat saw Tottenham slotting in four by the 25-minute mark and slipping in a fifth just before half-time whistle, prompting a mass walk-out from the disappointed St Mary's faithful. Sitting at the very bottom of the table, the Saints have only had a single win since making their Premier League comeback, leaving them nine points from safety.

Martin, who was instrumental in Southampton's promotion to the Premier League last term through a play-off final triumph against Leeds, has been axed a mere 72 hours prior to the Reds clash on Wednesday. In a statement, the club announced: "We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our men's first team manager."

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Acknowledging the uphill battle of Premier League life, the statement continued: "Going into the start of the season, we all knew the challenges that we would face this year as we readjusted to life in the top flight, competing in the best and most competitive league in the world.

"However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board have supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations. We have all been on the same page in recognizing the urgency of needing results to improve.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they have given the club on and off the pitch over the last 18 months. Everyone connected with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially the play-off final win in May."

U21s boss Simon Rusk has been confirmed as interim boss following Martin's departure, who had just clinched a new three-year deal in the summer. Rusk, boasting a six-year tenure in Brighton and Hove Albion's youth system, nurturing talent such as Viktor Gyokeres and Ben White, took the leap into senior management at Stockport County before settling into his role with the Saints.

Previously coaching England Under-19s and lending his expertise as a set-piece specialist to Nottingham Forest, the 42-year-old moved to Southampton in the summer.

The club continued to highlight its optimism about its academy, stating: "Behind the scenes, we are encouraged by the continued development of talent coming through our academy. We are proud of the contributions our young players are making and are confident this will remain a source of strength and pride for everyone associated with the club."

Liverpool clinched a nail-biting 3-2 victory in last month's Premier League clash at St Mary's, with Mohamed Salah netting a brace to overturn the Saints' lead following Dominik Szoboszlai's initial strike. A repeat for the Reds would book a place in the semi-finals.