Every word from manager Russell Martin after Southampton’s 3-1 loss to Brentford on Saturday.
Q: Russell, first off, what is your take on that?
RM: Frustrating result, disappointing defeat. But I feel much better about the performance this week compared to last week’s game against Forest. We created good chances but need to score more goals.
We had some brilliant moments and some poor ones, which we were punished for. I told the players that it’s all about those crucial moments. Adam had the best chance in the first half; last season, that would probably have been a goal. It could be a mentality thing. We need to capitalize on those opportunities to change the game.
We’re getting punished for our mistakes and not taking our chances. We scored a fantastic goal and had plenty of presence in their box before they got their second. The momentum was there, and the guys showed some great stuff. But again, it wasn’t enough, and we were punished. Maybe we’re trying too hard and overcomplicating things; sometimes, less is more.
We need to trust the team’s structure and work together instead of trying to do things individually. It’s a good learning experience, but I feel more positive today than after the Forest game. I didn’t enjoy Forest, but there was a lot to like about today’s performance.
There were some good moments, but we have to cut out mistakes. When someone scores a great goal against us, that’s easier to accept than these errors.
Q: Looking at the five goals you’ve conceded, four were from mistakes and one from a set play. Is it frustrating that the opposition doesn’t have to work harder to score?
RM: Yes, we’re gifting goals and beating ourselves a bit. Across these three games, we’ve been very competitive and had some brilliant moments.
We need to be more free in the final third, like Matty Fernandes, Tyler Dibling, and Cam Archer, who were fantastic today. There’s a lot to consider for team selection in the coming weeks. We’ve learned a lot from these games, and we’ll use that moving forward. I feel more confident in what the players are doing; they’re giving everything they’ve got.
They just need to stay united, believe in themselves, and ignore the outside noise. Just like I said last season, if they stick with it, they’ll have some great moments.
Q: You mentioned setting up slightly wrong against Forest. You made some tactical changes today, but would you change the lineup if you could go back?
RM: Yes, but hindsight is easy. The guys who started had earned their place and were fantastic. Tyler was exhausted at the end because he’s not yet ready to play 90 minutes at this level, but he’s an outstanding player. Matty played a lot of minutes recently, and we opted for freshness and training pitch work over lineup changes. The substitutes made an impact, though.
If Arma had scored in the first half, it could have been different. We had good moments but sometimes made bad decisions in the final third. The players just need to breathe and understand the flow of the game. Adam Lallana, for example, manages the game so well with his experience.
There will definitely be changes for the Man U game—both tactical and personnel changes.
Q: You mentioned some positives, like the goal by Yuki. Can you talk about the contributions of Adam and Tyler in that build-up?
RM: Adam brings incredible quality and composure, having been at the top level for so long. Tyler is a unique talent with great physicality, but he needs to build endurance to keep repeating actions. He’s an incredible player, and it’s my job to prepare him so he can help us more.
He’s been performing well and pushing to be in the starting lineup. After three defeats, however, it comes down to who is in the best form. Tyler’s certainly made a strong case to be in the team.
Q: Aaron Ramsdale made his debut today. What did you think of his performance?
RM: He was great. Even in the second half, when we were down, he showed character and bravery. He stuck to it, and I believe he’ll be a brilliant signing for us.
Q: You’ve also added Ryan Fraser and Maxwel Cornet recently. What do they bring to the team?
RM: They add Premier League experience, which we need, and moments that can change a game. Their flexibility will also be valuable for us in attack.
Q: With the international break coming up, how will you balance preparing for Manchester United?
RM: We’ll balance rest and work for those staying, while others will go on international duty. We’ll focus on reinforcing the positives from our recent performances and addressing areas that need improvement.
Q: Sam Edozie’s loan move to Rangers didn’t go through. How disappointing is that for him?
RM: It was frustrating how late it fell through. It’s a bit unfair to Sam, who needs minutes. But now, he has to get his head down, work hard, and find a way back into the squad.
Q: Are you asking too much of your players to play out from the back and beat the press?
RM: No, they executed it well for the most part today. Mistakes happen, but I believe in sticking with this style. It got us this far, and it’s about giving the players confidence.
Q: With Aaron Ramsdale coming in, can you still play that way, considering his reputation at Arsenal?
RM: Absolutely. He was fantastic today with his passing. He’s everything we wanted in a goalkeeper, and I’m confident he’ll thrive.
Q: When you haven’t won a game, how do you keep encouraging them to play this way?
RM: By showing them the evidence of when it works. We’ve had great moments breaking the press, and it’s about refining those moments while cutting out mistakes.
Q: Burnley got relegated playing a similar way. Does that worry you?
RM: Burnley and we are very different. They started with one style and then shifted after some bad results. We’re committed to our way and believe it will work. I’d rather live or die by this method and enjoy the football we play.
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