Excerpt: Southampton’s Ryan Manning has expressed his desire to remain with the club next season despite their relegation from the Premier League. As the Saints prepare for a summer of changes, Manning is determined to help the team bounce back to the top flight.
Southampton has endured a challenging season, culminating in the earliest relegation in Premier League history with seven games remaining. With the club yet to surpass 11 points, the focus now shifts to a summer of potential departures and arrivals at Staplewood. Amidst this backdrop, Ryan Manning has expressed his commitment to staying with the Saints and aiding their return to the Premier League.
Ryan Manning said: “I absolutely want to be here next season, but football is football. You don’t know what’s around the corner. I definitely want to be here next season. I want to get this club back to the Premier League again. The way we finished last year’s campaign was incredible. As a group, we probably underperformed during the campaign. We owe the fans and the club to get back to the Premier League again. Although it’s been a disappointing campaign, next year we’re going to have eight or ten extra games and you’ve got the buzz of the Championship, which is a bit chaotic.”
Manning’s comments reflect a strong desire to help the Saints bounce back immediately, following the example set by clubs like Leicester and Burnley, who secured promotion back to the Premier League swiftly. Manning emphasized the importance of not languishing in the Championship, as many former Premier League teams have done.
Ryan Manning added: “There are a lot of big clubs that were established Premier League teams that have now been in the Championship for four, five, six seasons. It’s important for a club like this to bounce back straight away and get back. Then hopefully we can have another crack at the Premier League the year after.”
Manning, who has regained his position as the first-choice left-back, is determined to contribute significantly to Southampton’s efforts next season. Despite opportunities to leave the club, he chose to stay and fight for his place, making 22 Premier League appearances this season.
Ryan Manning concluded: “No one’s going to hand you anything. I just had to enjoy and embrace the challenge of trying to train my way into the team. I’ve made 22 appearances now in the Premier League, sitting on the sideline at Cardiff, I’d have snapped your hand off for it.”
As Southampton prepares for a busy summer, Manning’s commitment and determination to help the club return to the Premier League will be crucial. His experience and resolve will be vital as the Saints navigate the challenges of the Championship next season.
Tags: #Southampton, #RelegationBattle, #Championship, #PremierLeague, #PlayerInsight
