Every word Southampton's interim Rusk said after Liverpool

A difficult first half but the spirit we need to see in the second?

SR: I think the first half, our priority going into the game was to be hard to beat, given the nature of the game on Sunday.

I think we probably expected in some way, shape or form that we might not have the footprint in the game we want in the first half.

I think our priority was getting into half-time and making sure we're in the game as a basic principle, and then growing into it. 

The nature of the first goal is a bit unfortunate. I thought in the second half the guys stood up to it, didn't wilt and maybe on another day we'd nick a second.

What did half-time look like, was it led by you or the players?

SR: It was myself, as normal. I spoke the other day about running my own process for a game.  I'd always give the players space at the start of the break.

They understand the feeling and where they're at, how we feel the game's plan going. Then we discuss what's going to be important in the next 45 minutes.

So from my point of view, it was business as normal. I listen to players but ultimately I direct it where I think it needs to go.

Do you feel unlucky with the late referee decision?

SR: I've only seen it from one angle at the moment. I think you can get it or you cannot get it that one.

I probably need to see it from a couple more angles before I'm more conclusive about my opinion but I felt my natural instinct was it was a foul.

We didn't get the rub of the green at the end of the day and we didn't get it, so we moved forwards.

What did the players tell you they wanted from this game?

SR: I don't think it was about the players in a black-and-white fashion telling me what they want from the game.

Obviously, they were hurting from the other day and without a doubt they need some form of leadership and direction and obviously, that's my job.

But I think it was important for me to understand where the group was at physically and mentally, probably more than where we were at tactically. 

We devised a game plan from there to be very hard to beat and that requires bodies and then be good on the counter.

There wasn't much time to turn this game around and you can only work on so much, you can't overload them with information when there's change anyway.

I'm really encouraged by the second half. That's what we have to focus on now. They showed belief in themselves, they showed character, they stood up.

The fans were behind them as a result and I think hopefully that second half is enough of a catalyst for the guys.

How were the players emotionally and mentally after change?

SR: I think they were reflecting upon the change that took place, I'm sure, as people but ultimately professionals.

We just had to prepare for the next game, that's what we all have to do, that's all they know. It's the only way forward - so they were fine. 

I'm sure in the background one or two of them were disappointed but ultimately we have a responsibility at any club to go and try and win the next game.

The players' commitment level and their receptiveness to how I was working have been second to none this week. 

What do the next couple of games look like for you and the squad?

SR: The guys are scheduled for a day off tomorrow and the players will be back in the following day on Friday, ahead of Sunday's game. 

The communication has been really clear and excellent and I'm guessing I'll be getting some communication about how the next couple of days are going to look. 

But at this moment in time, my focus was the Liverpool game, so I'm not sure yet.

How is James Bree after coming off today?

SR:  I think there was a little bit of uncertainty about whether it was a contact injury or whether it was something muscular.

I'm still not sure actually what that is at the moment so we'll have to wait for the fallout from that one.

What did you make of Cameron Archer's goal and performance? 

SR: We discussed as a team simplifying our actions in the first half, which meant we were going to ask Cam in moments in the game to try to hold the ball up.

If we were going from goal kicks in and around that area, it was a hard task, but I thought he gave it everything and in the end, it's a fabulous goal. 

I thought his contribution was excellent and he'd had a bit of a cold and wasn't feeling so well over the last couple of days.

It was in my thinking as well to make sure that we looked after him in terms of freshness and energy. But I thought the goal was excellent.

How much have you been able to enjoy the last 24 hours?

SR: Yeah, I think I've been that focused, I'm sure whatever the fallout of this is, the last thing I wanted to do was make the last couple of days about me.

It was all about the players and what they need next and what the club needs as well. I guess really I didn't see it as something I'd be enjoying tonight. 

We all put ourselves under pressure and scrutiny as individuals to perform and I just looked at it as I've got to be part of that performance with the players.