Former Southampton Midfielder Tessem Reflects on Carabao Cup Victory and Team’s Defensive Lapses

Former Southampton midfielder Jo Tessem stated that despite the team’s victory over Stoke, which he characterized as a “horrendous football game,” the Saints achieved the necessary outcome to progress to the last eight of the Carabao Cup. During his appearance on the latest Goin’ Home with Adam and Jo podcast from BBC Radio Solent, Tessem commented: “We got the one thing we definitely needed – a win.” He continued, “That’s all you need – you will take that when you are in the situation you are in now.” Tessem concluded by saying, “It was a horrendous football game, boring at times, but we won it – that’s the positive.” He further elaborated on the team’s defensive performance, stating: “Stoke were hardly threatening us, but when they did, they scored. That’s the worrying sign. It’s so confusing – why do we concede so many goals? I don’t get it – it’s really weird.” Tessem added, “We had a strong back four and they must be thinking ‘what is going on here?’ We keep making schoolboy mistakes, when you make them once, they shouldn’t be happening again.” Tessem was also questioned on whether any players who participated in the match had created a selection dilemma for manager Russell Martin ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game at home to Everton, to which he replied: “Ruthlessly, I think no – I don’t think anyone stood out.”