Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez has sent a warning out to his players that Southampton are not to be underestimated this afternoon despite the Saints poor start to the season.
Jan Poortvliet’s side have come under intense pressure and criticism from the St Mary’s faithful over the course of the season and the summer after parting company with former manager Nigel Pearson. Mixed with constant financial worries off the pitch it could prove to be a recipe for disaster but Martinez has predicted a revival for the Hampshire side.
In the last 24 hours Swansea have moved to sign Coventry City’s Greek shot-stopper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos on a one months emergency loan, to cover fro the injured Dorus De Vries. Whilst Southampton have been forced to loan out striker Stern John to Bristol City.
The Saints will face a Swansea side unbeaten at home since April but the Spaniard has warned that a blend of youth an experience Southampton possess could prove their doubters wrong this afternoon.
Martinez Told The WM:
| ‘It should be a really open game. I don`t think we are going to see a similar game to what happened against QPR.They were defending for long periods, just concentrating on keeping a clean sheet.I think Southampton will be a completely different proposition: very young, very enthusiastic and very energetic.’ “They are an attacking side, very, very arrogant with the way they play and that is great to see in modern football.If you look at their record, it is better away than at home. I think it shows they are starting something important.Their new manager has come with new ideas from Holland and Jan is asking his players to play the right way.That helps especially away from home where they are free from the expectation of the home crowd. You are going to see two attacking sides.’ “Personally, I can`t see Southampton having a relegation fight. I feel they will grow into the campaign.They have a young side and it sometimes takes time to get the results. I think they will start getting the results they deserve.” |
