Russell Martin explains how Southampton can build some momentum in the international break

Recently, Southampton faced their third defeat in as many matches in the Premier League after a 3-1 defeat in an away fixture against Brentford. Russell Martin's side need to improve their defensive solidity after conceded a total of five goals this season. After the Brentford match, former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy analysed how the defensive tactics of playing out from the defence is leading to more misplaced passes and more goals conceded for Southampton. 

Last season, Southampton gained promotion to the Premier League due to a rock solid defence which took a lot of clean sheets and contributed to the build up play as well. However, the international break has arrived and Southampton have around two weeks to improve their tactics and find a great balance in the lineup. Now, manager Russell Martin has spoken on the importance of the international break for the Saints, saying,

Russell Martin explains how Southampton can build some momentum in the international break

"It's really difficult to build any momentum but I think every team has to deal with that right. So we'll work as hard as we can during the break.

They'll also have a little bit of rest as well because we'll all need that. It's a long, hard season."

- Russell Martin

The club have made the signings of Newcastle United forward Ryan Fraser and West Ham's Maxwel Corner on a loan transfer, and they both need time to adapt to the first team squad. Similarly, the Saints have a new defence having signed Taylor Harwood Bellis, Yukinari Sugawara, Nathan Wood and Aaron Ramsdale, who need to improve the passing in the defence in order to take more clean sheets in the league. Therefore, Southampton will want to start taking some points in the Premier League to build a good momentum throughout this season. 

Also, it remains to be seen if manager Russell Martin changes his tactical setup to provide more defensive solidity to the squad.