Jumat, 26 Oktober 2012

Adkins does not feel pressure

Adkins: Not feeling pressure

Southampton have found life hard after returning to the top tier of English football, with Adkins' men picking up just four points from their opening eight Premier League games.

The south coast club's poor form has led to speculation about Adkins' future, but the Saints boss has been buoyed by the reaction of his players to last week's defeat to West Ham, and a local newspaper survey in which 78% of the 5,000 polled said they thought the former Scunthorpe manager should remain in charge.

And having also led Saints to back-to-back promotions, Adkins is confident that he also has the support of the Southampton hierarchy.

When asked whether he felt under any pressure regarding his future at the club, Adkins said: "No, not at all.

"There is a stability at this club which is vitally important.

"Everyone here understands are realises there needs to be stability.

"I don't think there is any need for me to (seek assurances from the b oard).

"I said at the start of the season that there would be stormy weather ahead. We just need to baton down the hatches, stick together, ride out the wave.

"When we have got through this period we will be able to experience the good times together.

"It's very pleasing that 78% have turned around and said that they want me to carry on. It's very refreshing and rewarding."

Adkins was positivity personified today as he addressed the media ahead of the return of Gareth Bale and his Tottenham team to Southampton on Sunday.

His persona was in contrast to the downbeat figure he cut following last week's 4-1 thrashing at the hands of West Ham.

Adkins insists his players have reacted well to the poor showing, and conceded that the team must defend better when they take on Spurs this weekend.

"This hasn't been a difficult week at all," he said.

"I let a bit of negativity creep in for the first time last week,

but I had to quickly dispel that.

"Training has been good. The lads have responded in the appropriate manner.

"At this moment a couple of defeats have come about by some goals we could have stopped. We need to address that."

Adkins surprisingly left Rickie Lambert on the bench for last weekend's defeat, prompting fears the striker could leave St Mary's.

Stoke have been linked with the 30-year-old, but Adkins says he will not listen to any offers for the player, who starred in the Championship last season.

"I am not aware of an enquiry and we wouldn't consider (selling him)," Adkins added.

"He is one of the main reasons why we have got back to the Premier League.

"We love the bones of him. He works very hard. It is my responsibility to pick the team, whether Ricky is in that team or coming off the bench to make an impact as he did against Manchester City."

Should Lambert continue to be benched, Adkins admits offers could come in f or the player, however.

He said: "Rickie Lambert is a good football player. I'm sure anyone who sees him not in the starting XI will might wonder: 'what's happening there? We might show a bit of interest'. That's football."

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