‘We want better, we need better’ – Southampton boss Allen disappointed with defeat to Sunderland | OneFootball

Southampton head coach Remi Allen expressed her disappointment with her side’s performance after they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Sunderland at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Goals from Eleanor Dale and Katie Kitching helped Sunderland to continue their good run of form whilst sending The Saints crashing to a fourth consecutive defeat.

When speaking to WSL Full-Time after the match, Southampton boss Allen said that she was disappointed with her team’s performance, whilst emphasising the need for improvement.

“I know we’ve got far more than what we showed today,” Allen said. “It was a frustrating day.

“I’m disappointed. We want better, we need better, so it’s back to the drawing board next week.”

Allen made three changes during the second half which included a Barclays Women’s Championship debut for youngster Esta Roberts. The Saints boss was pleased with what Roberts brought to the game in the final minutes.

She said “Credit to Esta, she’s an under-21 player who stepped in and showed some real grit and desire which is what I wanted from everybody.”

Southampton’s latest fixture was watched by 7,012 fans, a record for a Barclays Women’s Championship match at St Mary’s Stadium. Allen emphasised the significance of the club breaking their league attendance record.

She said “It’s huge. Obviously, it wasn’t the greatest of performances but that won’t define us. We want the fans coming back supporting. The players appreciate it, we appreciate it and the club does as well. We just need to keep building that and today was a great step.”

Southampton have signed Vivienne Lia, Siobhan Wilson and Araya Dennis on loan deals in the current transfer window and Allen says that the club are not done yet.

She said “We’ve still got players to come in, so I believe when they’re through the door, we can generate competition for places. With the quality that we’ve brought in, I believe they’ll have a huge impact.”

Southampton return to Barclays Women’s Championship action next Sunday when they travel to Durham.