Southampton legend Dean Hammond has issued a brilliant rallying cry ahead of the Saints’ forthcoming Premier League clash against Brentford.
There is no doubt that Southampton have looked better since Ruben Selles replaced Nathan Jones. They have won two and drawn one of their last four games under the Spaniard.
The Saints’ 0-0 draw against Manchester United on Sunday, 12th March, saw them keep their third clean sheet in four matches. Although the club remain at the bottom of the table, there is a sense of positivity among the players and fans.
Selles and Co. will look to continue building momentum when they face Brentford at home on Wednesday, 15th March. A win against the Bees would see them get out of the relegation zone.
Hammond believes being able to get out of the bottom three should give Southampton all the motivation going into the game. Looking ahead to the match, the former Saints captain issued a uplifting rallying cry.
"“A few weeks back we’d almost be thinking that [being able to get out of the bottom three] was a dream really”, Hammond said on Southampton’s The Final Whistle podcast.“But to go into the Brentford game at home after some really good performances of late… it’s going to be a tough game.”“Brentford have had a really good season, so it’s going to be a tough game, but that is all you need in that dressing room, that speech [about getting out of the bottom three] before.”“Get out of the bottom three, get up to 16th, that would take Southampton, I think, above Leicester, who they beat last week, they’ve pulled them back in as well.”“[Getting up to 16th] puts pressure on some bigger teams down there, so-called West Ham, Everton and Leicester.”“You just need that really and that will make you run that extra yard, make that tackle, cover the ground for your teammate.”“Just continue the performances because they’ve been very, very good.”"
Southampton legend feeling positive ahead of Brentford game
Hammond went on to explain that he is feeling positive ahead of Southampton’s game against Brentford. He stated he has been impressed with the team’s form in recent weeks.
"“Defensively, we look strong now, we look organised, but we look more confident on the ball as well”, Hammond continued.“The players want to have the ball, they want to get on the ball, they want to play forward, they want to risk a pass now, players making runs in behind.”“Just continue that, put pressure on Brentford, ask questions of Brentford.”“I’m feeling good about it, you need that as a player, to get out of the bottom three, to win the game at home at St. Mary’s, that’s all you need.”"
A win against Brentford would see Southampton go above Leeds United, AFC Bournemouth, West Ham United and Leicester City.