Southampton are all but resigned to a play-off campaign after failing to defeat Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on the weekend.
Russell Martin cited ‘decision-making’ as the reason Saints failed to break down a defence that has leaked 66 goals this season, the second-worst record in the division.
It came after a late defeat to Ipswich Town, which all but ended their aspirations of finishing inside the automatic spots.
Now, with seven games remaining, and without a realistic chance of automatic promotion, Manchester City loanee Taylor Harwood-Bellis fired a rallying call to his Southampton teammates.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis fires rallying call to his Southampton teammates
Harwood-Bellis only celebrated his 22nd birthday in January but he is already showing immense leadership qualities.
The England under-21 international, speaking to the Daily Echo, urged his teammates to get together and assess how to approach the Championship run-in.
“Footy is all about getting over the line and winning matches. That is something we need to look at in ourselves. That doesn’t come from anyone else,” Harwood-Bellis said.
“It doesn’t come from the manager or the staff, we as players have to demand that from ourselves. We are a good group and we will go away to look at how we can make things better.”
The Saints defender continued: “The manager gives us everything he can going into the game. I think that shows on the pitch with the way we keep and win the ball.
“As players, we need to get together to figure out how we can get over the line in games. I’m sure that will happen.”
Southampton can’t afford to lose momentum
Martin will be well aware of the intense nature of the playoffs, having experienced them as a player with Norwich City.
The former defender captained The Canaries to the Premier League during the 2015/16 campaign, defeating Middlesbrough in the final at Wembley Stadium.
So he’ll know exactly what it takes to be triumphant in the playoffs and the importance of building momentum heading into them.
Southampton can’t allow their season to peter out and they must really crank up the gears and finish the season strongly.
With a clash against Coventry City at St Mary’s on Tuesday, they must deliver for their supporters in a bid to galvanize the environment and get the good feeling back.
If they are to bounce back to the Premier League, it’ll be because of a collective effort.