The manager of Southampton Football Club Nathan Jones has said "God's will" has spurred him on to meet the challenges of managing his team into the future.
Jones has faced criticism after four straight Premier League defeats left Southampton at the bottom of the table. But Wednesday night's 2-0 win over Manchester City means the club has advanced to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Speaking after the match at home-ground St Mary's last night, Jones told Sky News he was really proud of himself and his players because they’ve come through a “tough time” and that their second cup win of the week means they’re ”building something”.
Jones, who has only been in the job for three Premier League games added: “I’m not David Blaine, you know what I mean? I understand people’s frustrations but we’re building. The cliché is Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was a wonderful Southampton side, but we are on the way. We need time to change the direction, the momentum. It’s tough.
“Sometimes you have to take a little of the proverbial, and I’ve had to do that, but I’m clear, I’m strong. A born-again Christian, so God’s will is right there for me and I’m looking forward to the challenge. I would like an element of realism elsewhere, and if I get that, and we’re all together, we can do something here. At least I won’t get any abuse on my way home!”
Southampton's Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo scored in the first half against a Manchester City side which has been described as “below par”.