Simon Rusk sets out expectation as interim Southampton boss

Rusk is in temporary charge of Saints for the cup quarter-final in the wake of Russell Martin's departure from the club and will lean on senior players.

The current under-21s boss will work with the players for the first time at St Mary's this evening after they received a day off on Monday.

Rusk, 43, is confident that the players can take his messages on board, despite the short turnaround.

The former England youth coach explained the expectation is for him to create a plan best suited to face league leaders Liverpool and is confident they will "have a good go".

READ MORE: Liverpool boss Slot's rotation comments could give Saints Carabao Cup hope

He said: "The players have had a day off, which is fairly typical. They stuck to the schedule that was put in place, so I've not had a lot of communication with the players as yet.

"I've been at the club since the summer, I think they're a really good bunch of guys. They are a really good bunch of professionals.

Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk. (Image: Southampton FC)

"In the timescale, I'll be working with them, I'm comfortable that they're a really good bunch of professionals. They'll get around their job in front of them.

"I think the nature of the turnaround in gametime presents its challenges from that perspective.

"My job is to assess what their next game is, assess the group that's available to play and come up with a game plan which is the most suitable one that you believe in."

He continued: "I've done that for a long time, I've got good experience in preparing teams and working with lots of different types of players in different ways.

"I'm looking forward to preparing the team and I'm confident we'll have a good go. I've got great support around me. I've got some very good senior players within that group.

"We are working to prepare against one of the most in-form teams, arguably, in the world. That speaks for itself.

"I've been reflecting and watching the games. I will have my own idea of what I think is best for the group but I'll work with them on that.

"I think communication is key in all aspects, working together with the players and establishing that very quickly.

READ MORE: Who is Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk and what can we expect?

"I'm going to be looking at the strengths of the team, I'm going to be looking at the things and working with them on the things that we think can be better."

Rusk gave a non-committal answer when asked if goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will be available to face Liverpool.

Ramsdale publicity stated his hope to return to the side against the Reds when working as a pundit on TNT Sports last week.

"There are no fresh injuries that I'm aware of. I think as is normal in such a quick turnaround of games, there'll be things that are still being assessed," Rusk explained.

"That's an ongoing situation. I'm sure over the next 24 hours, 48 hours before Liverpool and post-Liverpool, we'll hopefully get some news on them guys that might be close."