Simon Rusk Addresses Media on Player Fitness, Fulham Match, and Interim Role at Southampton

Southampton’s interim manager, Simon Rusk, spoke to the media in advance of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Fulham (14:00 GMT). The following are the main points from his press conference: Kyle Walker-Peters returned to training today, and Aaron Ramsdale is “definitely not far away” from being available. Rusk also expressed his hope that “we’ll have one or two players available who weren’t on Wednesday.” He reflected on his brief tenure, given that Saints are close to appointing Ivan Juric as their new manager: “After the decision to go a different way, I viewed the quick turnaround to the Liverpool game as a good thing as it was a quick chance to focus the players. There was a challenge physically and emotionally but it becomes an opportunity to move on quickly.” Regarding his pride in leading the team, Rusk remarked: “As I’ve said, it’s been an honour [to be in charge]. [But] this isn’t about me. This is about the club at the minute and how we win a game of football.” Addressing how Southampton can improve their current form, he explained: “The immediate focus is what do we need to do to be more defensively solid, and we have to find a way to be able to score goals as well. That’s the balance we have to get right.” Rusk’s current expectation is to be in charge of the team at Craven Cottage, stating: “I prepared the team this morning. As it stands, in my mind, I’m preparing for Sunday’s game.” Discussing the challenge presented by Fulham, he noted: “They are a high-energy team with individuals that can hurt us, and they are on a good run of form so we need to be ready tactically, physically and mentally.”