As Southampton prepares for their Premier League encounter against Fulham at St Mary’s, interim manager Simon Rusk emphasized his current focus on team performance rather than future managerial aspirations. Rusk, who boasts the best points-per-game ratio among Southampton managers this season, has guided the team to two draws in his three matches at the helm.
Rusk said, “For a long time, part of my role in clubs has been to lead groups of players, whatever age group that is at. I have been a manager as well. I am really open-minded about what my career path is. Equally, I am ambitious for sure. But that ambition sometimes needs timing applied to it. That is probably all I am going to touch on that. I really do not want to make this tenure about me. I will get clear clarification when the job is done. When it is over, we will know about where the club want to take it but I think for me to talk about where I want to take me, it would not feel right. At this moment in time. I want to be really respectful to the football club and what my immediate role is,” the former Stockport boss continued.
Rusk, who began the season as Southampton’s under-21s manager before stepping up as a first-team assistant under Ivan Juric, has been supported by key figures within the club. He acknowledged the backing he has received from Johannes Spors, Mark Bitcon, and Phil Parsons, which has been essential in his day-to-day responsibilities.
“The first thing to say is the support from above me and around me has been top drawer with Johannes Spors, Mark Bitcon and Phil Parsons. They’ve been upfront and honest with what this is and supported me with a day-to-day part of the job. I don’t know too much about shortlists. I don’t know too much about names. I don’t know too much and it’s not a professional thing for me to talk about. As I’ve said from day dot, I will do the best thing for the group of players I’m working with, the people in the training ground, the staff. Most importantly of all, prepare the team as best I can for the supporters. And that is all my focus and attention is at the moment,” Rusk added.
Rusk’s commitment to the club and its supporters is evident as he prepares the team for upcoming challenges. His tenure has been marked by a balance of enjoying the experience and pushing himself to achieve the best for Southampton.
“To manage the Premier League for this football club is a privilege. It’s a privilege if you lose a game to be the one to get to speak to your players. But there’s a job to be done. I’m not here just enjoying the ride, I believe in my abilities. I believe in my abilities as a coach and a manager. I believe in my track record. I believe in my experiences. I’m finding that balance of enjoying it, but also pushing myself,” Rusk concluded.
As Southampton faces Fulham, Rusk’s focus remains on the immediate goals and ensuring the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
**Tags:** #Southampton-Club, #ManagerInsight, #2024-2025-Season, #PlayerForm, #PreMatchInterview
