INTERIM boss Simon Rusk hit back at Manchester City defender Ruben Dias' comments about Saints, insisting his side had to "find their way".

Dias bemoaned Southampton's defensive approach, suggesting they "didn't even try to play" after City were held to a 0-0 draw at St Mary's.

City dominated the game, seeing 72 per cent of possession and 26 shots on goal, yet both teams left with a point.

The result has taken Saints up to 12 points this season, meaning they have avoided ending the season as the joint-worst team in Premier League history.

Rusk described Dias' comments as a "back-handed compliment" before explaining why their approach was necessary. 

"Firstly, what a fantastic player he is and what a great football club (Manchester City) are," he said.

Southampton Simon Rusk and Adam Lallana in the dugout against Manchester City.Southampton Simon Rusk and Adam Lallana in the dugout against Manchester City. (Image: Stuart Martin) READ: Saints reach 12 points with valiant goalless draw against Man City

"It's frustrating, isn't it? And that was our aim. We did want to be frustrating today, and we did want to make it difficult.

"It's a bit of a back-handed compliment, really. And I think in the heat of battle, I believe intelligence is looking at what's in front of you.

"We looked at being adaptable and what you do to get the best out of the situation. We had to find a different way.

"If we go toe-to-toe with Man City today, we lose. We can't go toe-to-toe with Man City. I think we've got, I'm guessing, one-fifth of their budget.

"They've got a pool of players that are some of the best in the world. So we have to find our way, and that's OK. 

"I fully appreciate that it might not look like a beautiful game, but some of the defending was excellent.

"There were high levels of concentration, and good levels of defending in and around your box is an underrated quality, perhaps. We've got to do what we've got to do, and we've done it well today."