Simon Rusk has taken over at Southampton on a temporary basis following the sacking of Russell Martin on Sunday and will be in charge for the Carabao Cup quarter-final
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File photo dated 22-03-2023 of coach Simon Rusk. Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk could receive a major injury boost as the Saints turn their attention to the Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Liverpool after Russell Martin was sacked on Sunday night. Issue date: Monday December 16, 2024.
File photo dated 22-03-2023 of coach Simon Rusk. Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk could receive a major injury boost as the Saints turn their attention to the Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Liverpool after Russell Martin was sacked on Sunday night. Issue date: Monday December 16, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Southampton. Photo credit should read Nick Potts/PA Wire.
Simon Rusk, appointed as the interim manager of Southampton, is currently adrift in uncertainty about his tenure at the helm. In the aftermath of a devastating 5-0 defeat to Tottenham that led to Russell Martin's dismissal last Sunday, Rusk has been propelled from leading the under-21s to managing the senior team against Liverpool for Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final.
With questions lingering about his future and potential replacements for Martin, Rusk stressed the importance of focusing on the immediate challenge at his pre-match briefing: "This is a great honour for me, I have worked at the club since the summer and it has great tradition with a loyal fanbase."
"The right thing for me to do is focus on the job at hand it will be a proud moment for me no doubt."
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"I'm solely focusing on Liverpool. Communication has been very clear and I'm sure we'll know after Liverpool."
Despite the sudden shift in responsibilities and only just addressing his players, Rusk can take comfort in the fact that he isn't grappling with new injuries within the squad. While Aaron Ramsdale is inching towards a comeback, Adam Armstrong's suspension is a confirmed absentee.
"No fresh injuries. I think it'll be as is normal," affirmed Rusk. "We have a few players on their way back and that's an ongoing situation. I'm sure over the next 24 hours we'll hopefully get some news on the guys who might be close."
Rusk is undeterred by the team's precarious position at the bottom of the Premier League table, where they trail safety by nine points following a meagre haul of five points from 16 games. Instead, he radiates optimism about the club's long-term prospects.
"My experience in development is about not creating pressure for young players who aren't perhaps ready," he further explained. "In principle we have one or two young players who we are quite excited about. The club are very progressive in looking for young talent. I think we can be optimistic about that in the next 18 months."