Soares hopes Saints are marching upwards

Defender Cedric Soares hopes Southampton’s EFL Cup semi-final defeat of Liverpool can transform the mentality around St Mary’s.

Ahead of the midweek visit from Jurgen Klopp’s team Saints had been held to a 2-2 draw by Championship side Norwich City in the FA Cup, following a run of three successive Premier League defeats.

A lack of goals scored – 19 in their first 20 league games – is cause for concern, while there are fears star man Virgil van Dijk may depart this month.

But Soares believes the solidarity shown in the first leg victory over Liverpool can prove a springboard for the rest of the season.

“It was a great performance against Liverpool and it was very important for the team, because we were not in the best moment,” said the right-back.

(Ian Walton/Getty Images)

“We needed a win and it was a great job from everyone. This team deserved it, so I am happy that we had a great game.

“I think we are in the right way now. We just need to keep it going, keep working all together. It’s all about the mentality that we have for every game.

“If we always think like this, and have a very strong mind like before Liverpool, we can have some very good results.

“When you win against a strong team like Liverpool you get the confidence back

“Now it’s much easier to prepare for all of the games, because everyone is much more positive.”