Russell Martin: I hope to build a trustworthy team here, and the fans are very important to us.

With the official release of the 2026/27 season schedule, Leicester City manager Russell Martin stated that the team has entered the pre-season preparation phase and will focus on laying a solid foundation for the start. According to the schedule, Leicester City will play Notts County away in their league opener on August 15th, followed by their home debut at the King Power Stadium the following week against Burton Albion. This will be the first time most fans will witness Martin's Leicester City debut in the league.  

Russell Martin said: “I’m very excited. The release of the schedule every year makes the new season clearer, and for me, it marks the official start of the real preparations. The away game against Notts County will be a good test, and we must approach it with a positive attitude. At the same time, we are also looking forward to our first home game, which will be a special day for the players, coaching staff, and fans.”  

"Once the schedule is announced, you start to imagine those scenarios in your mind. The first game, the first time leading the team onto the pitch, and the first time letting the fans truly feel the team image we hope to create together. All of these make the coaching staff and players, including myself, very excited."  

Russell Martin expressed his hope that the team can establish a strong home advantage with the support of the fans in the new season. He said, "From the first day I arrived here, I have been fully committed to this job. I understand what this club represents for many people, and I understand the responsibility on my shoulders. We must build a team that can resonate with the fans and make them proud through hard training and full commitment."  

When discussing the complete sell-out of the club's 23,500 season tickets, Russell Martin said: "This is an incredible number, which fully reflects the loyalty, trust and passion of the fans. It also makes the players and coaching staff more aware of what we represent and what we fight for."  

"Such support is crucial; it injects tremendous energy into the club, the players, and myself. Our responsibility is to repay the fans' trust on the pitch with the same passion, courage, intensity, and performance."  

Despite Leicester City being considered a strong contender for promotion to League One after being relegated from the Championship, Russell Martin emphasized that the team must remain clear-headed and focused. He stated, "We know there's a lot of work to be done, and things don't happen automatically just because we want them to. We must maintain high standards every day, focus on the details, and get the whole team working in the same direction. That's what keeps me motivated."  

"I hope we can build a truly trustworthy team here, and the fans are of paramount importance to us. If we can establish a close connection between the team and the stands, and let the fans see a team that gives its all, dares to fight, and fights for the crest until the very last moment, then King Power Stadium will become our impregnable fortress. And all of this must begin with our current preparations."  

Image source: Internet/Leicester City official website