Jack Stephens: Our top priority right now is to get back to our best form and build up momentum through a series of games.

Southampton captain Jack Stephens says the team is gradually returning to good form and has made significant progress in both attack and defense. Stephens returned to the starting lineup in the South Coast derby against Portsmouth. Since that match, Southampton have earned 10 of the 12 points they could earn, showing a clear upward trend in their recent performance.

After Southampton's 3-2 victory over West Ham United, captain Jack Stephens spoke about the team's recent fighting spirit and praised their continued threat in attack.

Speaking about the team's recent improvement in defensive performance, Jack Stephens said: "We have always known we have this ability because we had a long unbeaten run last season. Before this away win at the London Stadium, the team had also kept a clean sheet in three consecutive games."

"Obviously, our performance at the beginning of the season was not consistent enough. We had some outstanding games, but also some games where we fell short of expectations. The most important thing now is to gradually regain our stable competitive form and build up good momentum through each game. We know that the team is very strong overall, and we believe that we have enough scoring ability. There are many outstanding players in the team, and they all have the ability to score for the team at any time."

"When a team is able to consistently score goals, the defense must also remain sufficiently stable. To be honest, our defensive performance today wasn't particularly ideal, but at least we fulfilled our responsibilities. I'm very, very satisfied with that."

Before the international break at the end of September, Southampton struggled to keep a clean sheet in the Championship and failed to secure a victory away from home. However, with Jack Stephens' return to the team, their defensive performance and away competitiveness have improved, culminating in two consecutive away wins recently.

The captain continued, "I always hope to play for the team. It was indeed a bit disappointing that I wasn't selected for the squad for a few games, but I understand that I still have a responsibility to contribute to the team. Even if I don't have the opportunity to play, I will try my best to support the team in other ways."

“I’ve always believed that as long as you keep working hard and give it your all, your opportunity will come sooner or later. I’m glad that I finally got this opportunity a few weeks ago, and I know I have to make the most of it. Fortunately, we won against Portsmouth, and the team gradually found its form afterward, playing a good run of games. It feels great to be back in the squad and to be able to help my teammates on the pitch.”

"I think we are in a pretty good phase right now, both in terms of the team's overall performance and the overall situation of the roster. So this is not just about me personally. Being able to step back onto the field and contribute to the team is what makes me most gratified."

Image source: Internet/Southampton official website