Russell Martin, the manager of Southampton, says he has been waiting for his team to display the “energy” and “aggression” that they did against Leeds.
Saints, who are 10th in the Championship, defeated Leeds on Saturday to snap a four-game losing streak.
“I am really proud of this group for sticking together, we just have to keep learning, keep improving and tweaking things to suit us.”
Southampton beat Leeds 3-0 in the first half.
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Southampton had struggled defensively in their previous four games, conceding 12 goals.
During that difficult moment, Martin stood behind his players and stated that he and his staff needed to do more to turn their fortunes around.
“The mentality of this team was a big step up on Saturday and that’s where we need to live all the time,” he added.
“I had been waiting to see this kind of energy and aggression, with and without the ball, and the amount of learning the players have undergone recently has been a lot.
“But hopefully everyone is feeling more positive after Saturday and I’ve watched the game and the goals back and I am really pleased with the work we are putting in.”
‘Stoke will be a different game’
Southampton will play at Stoke City on Tuesday, a team who upset Bristol City with an 89th-minute goal on Saturday, their first league victory since August.
Martin was a Norwich City player under Potters manager Alex Neil.
“I know Alex very well having played with him and been his captain,” Martin stated.
“I really like him and have a lot of respect for him and his mentality, will to win, and the way he meticulously prepares his team.”
“Stoke will take a lot of confidence from their own big comeback win over the weekend.”
“They, like us, will be looking to build on that after a difficult period, and this will be a different game.”
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