Russell Martin has revealed that consistency was a factor in their back-to-back wins at Stoke City on Tuesday evening, but playing two games in four days has taken its toll on his players, and he may make a change on Saturday.
Russell Martin spoke to The Daily Echo about his team selection versus Stoke City on Tuesday and how he needs to give playing time to players like Che Adams and Sam Edozie to keep things fresh.
I’m honest with you guys, but I also can’t tell you what the team is going to be. We spoke about it and we wanted to see how everyone recovered.
“When I spoke to you, I thought we would probably make one or two changes. Everyone seemed to be fine and we wanted some consistency.
“It’s the first time we have been able to put the same XI on the pitch and it’s made such a difference. Saturday is another question.
“We have a lot of players who haven’t played – a three-game week is very difficult at this level. So I expect there will be (changes) and I can say that really honestly.”
“I think you saw that some of the players were dead on their feet tonight – they were really tired. We have such a strong squad.
“Everyone wants to play and managing that is really important. That’s why Sekou Mara got on the pitch tonight. He deserves to with the way that he has trained.”
Mara’s second-half substitute cameo was his first appearance since Southampton’s 1-0 loss to Ipswich Town on Tuesday, September 19.
“I just got asked why Che Adams didn’t come on, I love Che and he is going to be an important player.
“But with the way Sekou has trained, I felt he was more suited to come on and replace Charly Alcaraz in the role we are asking him to do.
Sekou has done it a few times in training now and I’ve really liked what I’ve seen. He’s really annoyed that he didn’t score, but we are going to need everyone – it’s a team effort.
“Sam Edozie has been in the team and then hasn’t been on the pitch in the last two. He will be frustrated, but it’s our job to make sure we keep them all happy – or as many of them as we possibly can.
“It’s a really nice problem to have because it’s going to be a long old season. This has been a long week, by the time we get to Rotherham on Saturday, I’m sure we are going to need everyone.”
Martin is correct; Saints have a large squad with a lot of experienced players who aren’t getting regular games, and he has to strike the right balance between keeping the momentum going on the pitch, making sure players don’t get jaded, and also giving players like Che Adams, Sam Edozie, and youngsters like Sam Amo-Ameyaw a chance to show they are a valuable part of the squad.
As he says, it’s a good problem to have, but it also requires him to strike a balance, which will be difficult.
