Saints interim manager refuses to be drawn on permanent manager ‘noise’ and vows to stay focused on preparing his team for Fulham match
Simon Rusk is not being drawn into speculation about who the next permanent manager of Southampton is likely to be.
Simon Rusk is not being drawn into speculation about who the next permanent manager of Southampton is likely to be. Instead, he is focused on preparations for this weekend’s match Premier League match against Fulham at St Marys.
Speaking in Thursday’s pre-match press conference, Rusk described not being party to any discussions about who the man to replace Ivan Juric might be and laughed off a journalist’s quip that he is Southampton’s most successful manager this season (points to game ratio).
“The first thing to say is the support from above me and around me has been top draw with Johannes, Mark and Phil. They have been really upfront and honest with what this is and just supporting me with the day-to-day part of the job.
I don’t know much about shortlists
“I don't know too much about shortlists. I don't know too much about names. I don't know too much about that because the professional thing for me to do as (I've said from day dot) is do the best thing for the group of players I'm working with.
“The most important [thing] of all is prepare the team as best I can for the supporters and that that is all.”
Under Rusk, Southampton have already picked up 2 points from just 3 games with him in charge. Two well-earned points on the road, at Fulham and West Ham has shown that the moderately spoken 43 year-old Scotsman is able to set up his teams tactically well.
I’m not here to just enjoy the ride
Southampton’s caretaker manager was quick to point that he believes in his abilities as a coach and that, although he feels privileged to have managed the side in the Premier League, he wants to push himself as well as enjoy the experience.
“There's a job to be done and as much as I'm not here just enjoying the ride, I believe in my abilities as a coach and a manager.
“I believe in my track record and in my experiences and I'm finding that balance of enjoying it but also you know pushing myself.”
The board’s search for a permanent manager continues with Sheffield Wednesday boss, Danny Röhl, favourite to take over at St Mary’s.
It will be interesting to see what Simon Rusk can achieve in the four games that he has left taking charge of the first team and whether he can force himself into contention.