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May 18, 2024
Following Southampton’s victory over West Bromwich Albion, which advanced them to the Championship play-off final, manager Russell Martin addressed the media.
Southampton defeated West Bromwich Albion with a strong performance. Now they will play Leeds United to return to the Premier League.
The Saints won 3-1 in the second leg of the NFL Championship play-off semifinal, with two goals from Adam Armstrong.
It ended in a scoreless first leg, and at halftime at St.
Mary’s before Russell Martin’s side making the decision.
Martin is confident that his team has what it takes to return to the top flight immediately after a tough season in the Championship.
In front of their enthusiastic home supporters, the hosts controlled the match for nearly the whole duration.
Moreover, the Saints had to wait until early in the second half to break through West Brom’s resilient defense.
Following the match, Southampton manager Martin had nothing but praise for his team.
He said: “The players were amazing. I’m really proud of them. In the first half we were good, in the second half they were incredible. They freed up a little bit.
“We made some tweaks to things and they carried it out so well. Some of the football was amazing.”
“We were up against a really good team and a top coach in Carlos (Corboran). But in the end I feel like we got what we deserved.”
“Now we have to get there [promotion] for it to mean anything. It all leads into the big one.”
“If we can play with the same courage and intensity as tonight we’ll give ourselves a chance. It’s one we can enjoy tonight and be a bit relieved. But then it’s about getting ready.”
A unique performance would always be needed to break the tie in this semifinal match, and academy graduate Will Smallbone delivered just that.
His goal set up Saints for an easy victory that night, securing their spot at Wembley the following Sunday.
“When the fans sing his name, I feel emotional for Will (Smallbone),” said Martin.”
“He’s so desperate to play for his club. It’s his club. He’s had some tough moments in his short career so far.”
“He’s an amazing human being, and watching him grow this season has been one of the biggest privileges so far of my managerial career.”
“He’s been so important for us. He’s selfless, he’s a brilliant team-mate and he’s growing in importance all of the time.”
“He has the capability to be a really top player and I’m proud of him.”
And Smallbone repaid the compliments when asked about his manager by Sky Sports, he said:
”The manager’s put a lot of faith in me this year and I can’t speak highly enough of what he’s done for me and my career.”
“It’s been my dream to be here playing for as long as I can remember and to do it right now is amazing.”
One notable absentee was Saints forward Che Adams. Still, Martin explained that the Scottish international will be ready ‘in some capacity’ for the Championship play-off final.
The 27-year-old striker was not included in the squad at The Hawthorns and was not used as a substitute at St. Mary’s due to a tight calf that he has been experiencing for the past week.
When asked if Adams would be available on May 26th against Leeds United, the Saints boss responded, “Yeah, he will be for sure. He will be involved. Whether that’s starting or on the bench, he will definitely, definitely be involved.”
“For him, the risk did outweigh the reward in the end because he still felt a little something.”
“Fair play to him, he said he would try. He said ‘If I’m needed, I’ll give you ten minutes off the bench or whatever.
“He will be ready in some capacity for the final.”
While they made plans to visit Wembley, Saints captain Martin expressed his pride in the fans.
Before the game, thousands of people filled the streets with fireworks, unprecedentedly welcoming the team to St. Mary’s.
After winning, Martin said in a statement: “I’m really grateful to the players and fans and I’m really proud.
“I loved the energy of the team, the welcome from the fans when we came in – I’ve not seen anything like that.
“They were amazing, they really played their part tonight so I’m really grateful to the supporters for that. Honestly, it was incredible.
“There were a lot of emotional people on the bus seeing that on the way in and that set the tone really. It made the team talk really easy.”
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