‘We want to pit ourselves against the best, we want that challenge‘

While Southampton’s final pre-season friendly ended in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of an unforgiving Arsenal, Southampton Head Coach Remi Allen was keen to stress the team’s desire for similar tests as they enter a new season in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Despite the scoreline, there was definitely reason for the Saints to feel positive. The match at St Mary’s Stadium marked Allen’s first game fixtyre in charge of the club following her move from London City Lionesses at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season. Southampton came into the match following victory against Oxford United, as well as narrow pre-season defeats to both Bristol City and Tottenham Hotspur.

Proud of her team’s performance and for good reason, Allen stated “We want to pit ourselves against the best, we want that challenge. I think we stood up to it, I think out of possession we showed a real compact aggressive side to us”

Southampton defended resolutely in the first half and frustrated the Arsenal attack for long periods of time during the match, only conceding before the break thanks to a Kyra Cooney-Cross wonder strike. However, Allen was clear-headed in the post-match, identifying the faults in the second half performance of her side.

“The frustrating thing for me, if anything, was the manner of the goals. The first one looked like a world class goal so I might have to get them that one” Allen said with a wry smile.

She continued, “The second two come from set pieces so for all the good work we’ve done out of possession to nullify their chances we’ve conceded two from set pieces, that will be an area to work on but that aside we are very proud of the way they played”.

After Arsenal scored two quickfire goals in the second half, Southampton hunkered down into a low block, something that Allen spoke passionately about when explaining her reason behind the tactical decision.

She said,“I said to the players, we might win or lose the league on goal difference, so we can’t concede in these last fifteen minutes, I need to see that side of you.” The Saints boss continued “They held up and they did not concede. At times it was horrible, they are grafting, they are looking at me to say when is it over? But they were resolute, they dealt with it. They were resilient so from an out of possession perspective we can be really proud, but we can definitely be better in possession.” 

Allen has her team well drilled and expanded on the versatility of tactics that will be required this season if the Saints are to chase league promotion.

She expressed,“There will be times where we can press high because its on and we can go, and there will also be times like in the last fifteen minutes where we sat in and were a little bit deeper and we will absorb pressure a little bit, depending on the game and what it needs.”

Allen continued,“In terms of in possession we want to dominate the ball, albeit we didn’t do it today but I think most teams don’t dominate the ball against Arsenal but in our league there will be games absolutely where we want to dominate the ball. But we also need to be progressive and play the ball when it’s on.

I don’t think you have seen the best of us at all in possession today I think we can be so much better, we were against Spurs, so its definitely that bravery, obviously when we are playing world class opposition its a learning thing and we’ll get there come the season.”

Following a hectic pre-season schedule, Southampton now turn their attention toward the opening weekend of the Barclays Women’s Championship where the side will face Bristol City.

Allen was quick to issue a rallying cry for the season opener next weekend. “We want more fans coming  against Bristol, there will be times in this season where it will be difficult for us, and the fans become the next player for us. 5,000 (fans) is great, lets build on it, we want to be getting 10,000 and plus eventually but we really appreciate the people that have come today.”

On the challenge of Bristol City, Allen was full of praise for next weekends opposition. She expressed, “They are a great side and there is a reason they come up and down in terms of competing for the WSL. So we will give them the respect they deserve.”

Summer signing and goalscorer in their previous friendly, Rachel Rowe, was missing from the squad today, but Allen was quick to dismiss any concerns. She noted of Rowe’s absence “Just a precaution, she possibly could have been in the squad but we want to protect her and look after her because ultimately the season is the priority, and she’ll build back in next week.”

Southampton face Bristol City next Sunday at St Mary’s Stadium, with proceedings heading underway at 14:00 BST.