‘We know how to overcome it’ – Walker-Peters speaks out for first time this season about Southampton position in the league

Walker-Peters, 27, has given his first interview since a summer full of speculation, amid the potential he could depart the club permanently.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man is out of contract at the end of the campaign but hopes to keep Saints in the Premier League first.

Walker-Peters issued a calm message amid winning just one point from nine matches – while Saints face relegation rivals in their next two.

He told talkSPORT: “I think we really need to look at all the positives and try and build on them, and that’s what we’re doing.

Kyle Walker-Peters has made seven Premier League appearances this season (Image: Stuart Martin)

“There are a lot of positives from the last few games, and we hope to take those into Saturday. We knew it was going to be tough.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be smooth sailing, it wasn’t even in the Championship last season. We had tough times last season and we’re having a tough time now.

“We do know how to overcome it. I know it is important to get that first win and I think once we do it will definitely help us to gain some confidence.”

Walker-Peters called back to Saints losing four matches in succession last September, before going on a 25-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Under Martin’s stewardship, Saints went on to win promotion back to the Premier League via the play-offs, and a 1-0 win over Leeds United. 

“We’ve actually spoken about that period where we went four games beaten and we spoke about how we bounced back from that.

“I think that’s in everyone’s minds, everyone’s aware that once we do get that first win, we should be flying.”

Saints midfielder Adam Lallana has demanded wins in the Carabao Cup against Stoke City and Premier League relegation rivals Everton this week.

It’s a big week for Southampton. Stoke in the cup tomorrow night before Everton in the league on Saturday.Adam Lallana is targeting back-to-back wins. #SaintsFChttps://t.co/SZBBmZT9K4
— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) October 28, 2024

Pressure on manager Martin could build if Saints fail to beat another relegation rival, with 19th-placed Wolves next weekend before the international break.

Walker-Peters insists Martin has been consistent with his messaging despite media “narratives” but accepts the importance of these matches.

“The manager is the same as always. He is focused on the task ahead and trying to give us the tools to improve and win the next game,” said Walker-Peters.

“I wouldn’t call it lazy narratives as they’re entitled to their opinion just as we are as a team and the management – the style of play is how the team wants to play.

“It’s how the management wants us to play and it’s something that we just need to keep building on – then, I think the results will come.

“100 per cent (Everton and Wolves are important). They’re the teams in and around us so we’ll be looking to get six points from those games.”

Although Walker-Peters could depart the club for free next summer, he says he has been using his experience to help guide the young squad.

“I’m 27 now so, I mean it’s still young, but I consider myself a senior player. I’ve played a lot of games in the Premier League,” he added. 

Walker-Peters was asked about emerging Tyler Dibling and said: “He’s got a lot of quality but you don’t want to put too much pressure on an 18 year old.

“I think he needs to just enjoy playing this football, learn as much as he can, and then I think the world is his oyster.”