Kyle Walker-Peters makes a strong statement for tired Southampton ahead of their Championship return 

Kyle Walker-Peters makes a strong statement for tired Southampton ahead of their Championship return

Southampton return to action this weekend when they host Hull City at the MKM Stadium, where Russell Martin’s side are unbeaten in three games.

16: Kyle Walker-Peters during Southampton FC training at Staplewood Campus on October 16, 2023 in Southampton, England.

Kyle Walker-Peters says he and his Southampton team-mates have enjoyed relaxing during the international break.

Russell Martin’s side have played 12 games this season and have five wins, five losses and two draws heading into the October break. Walker-Peters was one of the players not invited by his country. The full-back’s last appearance for England was against Ivory Coast in March 2022.

This allowed him to get some much needed rest as Martin decided not to push himself too hard on the training grounds with his Saints players after some intense matches.

“The international break was pretty relaxing for us,” the defender told the Daily Echo. “It was a busy schedule until the break. We came in and did some light workouts and then took some time off, nothing too hard. The energy and intensity remain the same – as does the quality of the process.

“We try to be proud of it, but of course without the whole group it’s a bit more difficult to train if you want to do tactical work.”

“It’s nice to have time to rest,” he added. “We’re all tired – even if you don’t play as much, you travel a lot. It’s tough both mentally and physically, so it’s nice to get that break.”

Saints went into the international break unbeaten in their last three matches. Wins against Leeds United and Stoke City were followed by a 1–1 draw at home to Rotherham United, which leaves them tenth in the Championship. These results eased the pressure on Southampton and Martin, and September saw four successive defeats, including major losses to title rivals Sunderland and Leicester City.

“The group have taken confidence from the last three games,” Walker-Peters added when asked to reflect on Southampton’s recent form. “The result at Rotherham was disappointing but we know we played well.

“We scored and we didn’t score one goal. That’s one of them – we’ll go into the next game with confidence. Keeping your sheets clean is always a priority. We definitely have to play better. We control the ball so much that teams know when they get a chance, it’s one of the few chances they get in the game.

“In those moments we have to defend better. To get the win against Stoke was a really big thing. Going there, everyone talks about how tough it can be – showing resilience to hold on to a 1-0 lead was reassuring.

Southampton are now back in action on Saturday when they travel to the MKM Stadium to face Hull City. The Tigers are one place ahead of the Saints in the table with the same number of points but a greater goal difference than the visitors.

“We know they want to control the ball,” Walker-Peters said. “We have to work hard. It’s not going to be as easy as some of the other games we’ve played where teams haven’t been as open to build. “Let’s go there and try to win the ball as high up the field as possible. I personally enjoy these games. I think it’s a battle of football. It’s much more difficult for the forwards because they have to press, but it’s not does. . It doesn’t bother me. It’s usually the first one with the most quality.”