BOSS Will Still feels Saints will continue "heading in the direction" during pre-season preparations, so long as they keep winning games.
Still saw pleasing progress during his side's 4-1 win over Gillingham at Staplewood on Tuesday, compared to their 2-1 win against Eastleigh.
Goals from Cameron Archer, Ross Stewart, Tyler Dibling and Kuryu Matsuki sealed a second win of the summer across two 60-minute matches.
The 32 year old is keen to restore a winning feeling at St Mary's after a turgid Premier League campaign resulted in 12 points and two victories.
"It was very positive, you could see there was improvement, there was progression, there were a lot of positive things to take," Still said.
Will Still during Southampton's 4-1 win over Gillingham at Staplewood. (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson)
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"There are still details that we need to work on and improve on, but at this early stage, you focus on the physical aspect. A lot of the boys got 60 in.
"A lot of the boys who came back this week or late last week got 45 or 30. We are building players up and getting them to where we need them.
"As long as we keep doing the basics and get into the habit of winning, we are moving in the right direction," he added.
"We said in the meeting before that we know the gaffer and the style of play that he likes. We knew it was going to be a physical battle.
"We competed, which is important, because as soon as it gets competitive, that is what we want. The better teams, the more competitive it will be."
Saints are set to face Sport Republic's Valenciennes in another 120-minute behind-closed-doors friendly at Staplewood on Friday, July 18.
They will then face Espanyol during their training camp in Girona before rounding out pre-season at home versus Brighton on Saturday, August 2.
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