Ian Wright slams Southampton boss Nathan Jones after strange post-match comments

07 February 2023 , 08:07

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Ian Wright has criticised Nathan Jones for "throwing people under the bus" (Image: BBC Sport)

Ian Wright has taken aim at Southampton boss Nathan Jones after his bizarre post-match interview at the weekend.

The Saints were well beaten at Brentford, losing 3-0, which leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table and facing the prospect of relegation. Jones was bought in to replace Ralph Hasenhuttl after his impressive work at Luton, but has been unable to replicate that at St Mary's.

Southampton have lost eight of their last nine league games, with Jones being in charge for six of those defeats. The Welshman faced unwanted chants from the away fans at Brentford as they sang "get out of our club" and "you don't know what you're doing".

Jones has since gone on the offensive, claiming he's changed his style due to outside influences before highlighting how, according to the stats, he was one of the most impressive coaches around Europe before arriving.

He said: "I've compromised because of fans, and so on, a few little things but - no more. I've been very successful playing a fluent style, Luton were a real aggressive front-footed side. Statistically, there weren't many better than me around Europe in terms of aggression, clean sheets, defending the box, balls in the box, xG, all those sort of things.

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"We were pound-for-pound the best because we were spending next to nothing and producing so much. I've gone away from that because it's the Premier League and due to certain players and internationals."

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Wright has since told Match of the Day: "They were strange comments, they were strange. It's your job to do your job, what are you talking about 'pandering' to people? This is the Premier League and you're not going to get many opportunities here, so don't come and start throwing people under the bus saying it's their fault you didn't do what you've done before. Get it done."

Southampton have been in the top flight since earning promotion in 2012. They're currently three points from safety ahead of upcoming games against Wolves and Chelsea with questions being asked internally about Jones' methods after his recent outburst, according to the Daily Mail.

Some of the players have raised concerns over Jones appearing too emotional with the early part of his reign not going to plan. Jones was a surprise appointment by the club's hierarchy but they are not currently thinking about changing the man in the dugout, with their focus on getting results.

Samuel Meade