4 days ago
23 
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Russell Martin is excited to see the back of international breaks for the next three months and is relishing the challenge of facing Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
With the final international break nearing its end and players making their way back to their clubs, the scourge of friendlies and recently conjured money-lining tournaments like the Nations League is behind us for at least the next three months.
It’s not just the fans thinking and saying that sort of thing, either, with Russell Martin, manager of upcoming Liverpool opponents Southampton, talking about the shift to non-stop club football over the winter and the frantic fixture list that results.
“I love the intensity of the festive period schedule,” Martin said today at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s game. “It’s brilliant to look forward to. Thank goodness the international breaks are done and we can build some momentum.”
Building momentum might be easier said than done for Southampton, though, given their return from the break involves hosting league leaders Liverpool, who along with the work of new manager Arne Slot was an even bigger focus at Martin’s presser.
“I think when you go into a club that’s built something for so long with top players that have bought in, he hasn’t changed too much,” the Southampton manager noted. “There’s certain patterns in the game and the way they build up now that are different.
“But that club’s been built on what the fans expect: intensity, relentless running, the desire to press and hunt the ball. They’re still going to have that, he’s put his own spin on it. So I think over time it will look different again, but they’re a top team.
“I’m sure it was a beautiful job to walk into when he looked at it [but] big credit to him and it’s a challenge for us. I think the best management approach is to go in and continue the brilliant things they were good at but to put your own spin on it.”
