The Saints suffered a promotion hammer blow when they lost 2-1 to Cardiff City on Saturday thanks to an injury-time winner
Southampton manager Russell Martin admitted Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City was 'unacceptable' and has challenged his players to come back strongly in Tuesday night's Championship showdown against league leaders Leicester City.
While Martin acknowledged his side played some 'amazing football' he was furious they didn't turn their superiority into goals, which then allowed Cardiff the chance of a smash-and-grab win. And he wants to see a big response when they head to the King Power Stadium to face Enzo Maresca's Foxes in midweek.
"If you're not going to have the conviction and ruthlessness, be clinical in their box, and then not defend your own properly that's what happens. Today has done us a lot of harm in terms of chasing the automatic spot, but we have to react properly now. We've got three games left and we can still get over 90 points.
Leicester could secure promotion back to the Premier League by beating Southampton, but only if Leeds United lose to Middlesbrough at the Riverside tonight.
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