RLB EXPLAINS PLAN

Regis Le Bris has referred back to Russell Martin's Southampton side, who effectively wrote off their last four league fixtures this time last year, as the blueprint for squad fitness and how form isn't necessarily too important heading into the play-offs. The Saints suffered three defeats late in their campaign, but managed to see off West Brom over two legs before defeating Leeds United at Wembley. That being said, our Head Coach has admitted that he'll be fielding stronger lineups in these next two games than the B-team which lost to Blackburn on Easter Monday.

SAINTS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE

"I think Southampton lost some games towards the end of the season, I think one of them was 5-0. And they were promoted. So every situation is unique and ours is unique, so we have to manage it properly."

STICK TOGETHER

"The question now is about the desire of the squad, the desire of the squad and of the fans and the connection we have together. At Bristol City we played with ten men and showed good connection, good energy. This part of the project is the most important so now I hope that we will have mainly a full squad, a good energy, and two games to play."

WEAKENED SIDES

"We explained before that this part of the season, it has been a little bit weird. We didn't really have a choice because we had a very small squad and they played so many games with probably fourteen or fifteen players. It was really important to refresh the squad and it was possible because we had 76 points, and we deserved this opportunity."

FINISH WITH A STRONG XI

"Now with two games to play and one per week, the situation will be different. It will be possible to start with our 'main' XI and I hope that we will find our rhythm, the right flow and dynamic."

MINDSET AND DESIRE

"Every situation is unique and we have a specific situation where it was impossible to solve with other options. The players have shown before that they are able to react. For me, I am confident and I trust these players 100%. Now it's a question of mindset because the play-offs are totally different and the energy you have to manage is totally different. So I think we'll able to show the desire."