Soccer Football - Premier League - Fulham v Southampton - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - December 31, 2022 Southampton manager Nathan Jones REUTERS/David Klein EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Journalist David Ornstein has admitted that the jury could still be out on Southampton’s Nathan Jones after another defeat.
The Lowdown: Pressure is already mounting
Southampton decided to take a punt on Jones to help guide them away from the threat of relegation, but it appears his lack of top-flight experience is showing.
This is because the only team he’s managed to beat as Southampton boss is Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup, while the Saints are bottom of the Premier League.
It is certainly too early to be judging Jones and questioning his future on the south coast, but Southampton’s owners won’t be happy with what’s been happening thus far.
The Latest: Jury out on Nathan Jones
Ornstein believes it’s too early to judge Jones but has acknowledged on the NBC Sports YouTube channel this is a massive period for the Welshman.
He said: “They [Sport Republic] need to focus on Southampton because they don’t want to be running a club that’s in the Championship and as things stand they’re heading that way.
“They play a crucial game next against Nottingham Forest, they then face Everton as well and they’ll want to scrape their way out of it.
“Is Nathan Jones the man to pull them through? The jury might seem to be out, but it is very early days. This is a massive period for the new ownership at Southampton.”
The Verdict: Jones already under pressure
Given how much money is on offer to clubs being in the Premier League, it’s no surprise eyes are still on Jones after just three league games as the Saints can’t afford to drop out.
However, the owners must give Jones some financial backing this month as he’s yet to put his stamp on the side and is working with a load of players he had no say in signing.
Therefore, while Jones will know he’s under pressure after defeats to Brighton and Fulham in quick succession, the club must act responsibly and avoid any kneejerk reactions to their league position.
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