Recently, Southampton manager Russell Martin spoke to the BBC. He stated that Southampton will certainly surprise some people in the new season.
Martin said in the interview: “If we can’t overcome our fears and lack confidence, we won’t naturally return to the Premier League but would do something else instead. In some matches, our opponents are strong, and we might appear different, but we won’t close up shop when facing top teams like Manchester City or Liverpool. We won’t do that.”
He continued, “Sometimes, we will face defeats. But at other times, we will enjoy wonderful moments, experience great matches, and have satisfying results. These may all be unexpected. Perhaps we will surprise some people.”
Southampton defeated Leeds United in the Championship playoff final last season to return to the Premier League. In the new season, their first league opponent is Newcastle United.