Simon Rusk reveals the secret-sauce to his interim success at Southampton

ByMehdi Gokal|
Dan Mullan/GettyImages

Simon Rusk honestly labels the biggest intelligence was to get the best out of Southampton's situation, and a 0-0 stalemate against City is the perfect example.

This may sound exaggerated, but Simon Rusk might have just secured at least a hero mention in Southampton's history. After all, few Saints' achievements have been bigger than escaping the worst team shame now.

But while this feat is surely impressive, it's iconic too.

This is because Rusk has pulled this off from the mess left by former managers, Russell Martin and Ivan Juric, that, too, by outperforming them both within a month in his second spell. And what's better than him achieving it with comparatively plain and straight football?

Notably, most of Rusk's interim managerial success has been based on rather simple principles. Be it then, his half-time strategy plans or a sensible game adaptation approach against Premier League heavyweights.

Just see how his game plan flexibility has helped Southampton clinch a sober yet crucial 0-0 draw against Manchester City yesterday.

And for Rusk, it was none except his game awareness masterclass that frustrated Pep's side to the result.

Simon Rusk reveals the secret-sauce to his interim managerial success

Recently, as quoted by the Daily Echo, post-match, Rusk detailed it all, how and why he could restrict the visitors: "If we go toe-to-toe with Man City today, we lose. We can't go toe-to-toe with Man City. And I think in the heat of battle, I believe intelligence is looking at what's in front of you."

Now, given Rusk's interim success, it's quite natural to be one of those wishing to see him full-time in the role, isn't it? Yet, while very exciting, this may not be the best solution for Southampton.

This is because definitely, Rusk's Saints side has gathered points, but they haven't come the easy way. And for Southampton, who must push for a promotion, it's important to make a more role-suited appointment to get comfortable wins next season.

So, while it has been a memorable spell under Simon Rusk, Southampton ought to look for a foreign hire, unless anything doesn't changes drastically.


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