Behind the scenes of Southampton first relegation in 11 years

Following Southampton 2-0 defeat to Fulham at St Mary’s in the Premier League last weekend, Saints became the first team officially relegated this season. And it’s the end of their 11-year long journey in the top league as well.
James Ward-Prowse, captain of the team who grew up at Southampton’s academy. Revealed that he was deeply sadden. That he could not help the club successfully survive. but admitted that It was the Saints’ inconsistency that was a big reason for dropping into the Championship next season.
The 28-year-old midfielder said: “From the first day of pre-season until now. You can tell the standards of the club have dropped. We have to analyze each other as individuals. and as a club and assess that Have we done everything we can? I don’t think we can. And that is unfortunate.”
Southampton sacked manager Ralph Hasenhuttl in November last year
and appointed Nathan Jones as his replacement. But it lasted only 3 months, then Ruben Celes took over.
Ward-Prowse continued: “I think as a team, and the club as a whole We will remember the seasons that have passed. Have we made the right decision yet? Have we done everything we can on the pitch? I think we should perform at a better level than what we have done before.”
“I’ve been here since I was eight years old and I’ve seen the club’s journey up and down. Good times and bad times, and these are bad times. But I’m sure With the club returning to the Premier League soon, it will testing period for everyone. But the club has through it already. And I am sure we will do it again.”
Meanwhile, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown. Who now acts as a guru, commented that Southampton may take a long time to get promoted back into the Premier League again, although “Saints” will What a good team.
Keown said: “It’s a proud record for Southampton to always bring talented players into the Academy. But that’s not enough. They may need to clear the team in a big way. You look at the teams coming back from the Championship, they have the core. And what is the core of this Southampton set?”
“Will James Ward-Prowse stay with the team? It will be really difficult. There are so many games in the Championship and it will be Southampton’s toughest season, they will need to get their focus back as soon as possible after this relegation.