Southampton boss Will Still has challenged his players to show more accountability after a 3-1 defeat at Bristol City extended their winless run to 9 matches.
Saints surrendered a first-half lead at Ashton Gate, leaving Still frustrated by costly errors and what he described as a lack of self-reflection within the squad.
“Hope They’re Questioning Themselves”
Adam Armstrong’s fourth goal of the season gave Southampton a deserved early advantage, but the visitors collapsed after the break as Anis Mehmeti equalised before a Scott Twine brace sealed a comfortable home win.
It was another night of missed chances and defensive lapses that kept the Saints anchored in the bottom half of the Championship.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Championship football… 😂pic.twitter.com/g8npkxQV2d
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) October 22, 2025
Still, who took charge earlier this year, admitted he is beginning to doubt whether his squad are challenging themselves enough after a sequence of results that have produced just 1 victory in 10 league games.
“I hope they are questioning themselves. I really hope they are,” he said. “But when you hear them and listen to them, I’m not sure that’s the case for the moment.
“We might have to have a very honest and direct conversation about it so that people realise what has to change and what needs to be done. I don’t mind having it.”
The 33-year-old defended his own methods but made clear that the time for excuses is over.
“I’ll always question myself, our processes, the way we work and the messages we give. But everyone needs to stand up and take a bit of accountability,” Still said.
“The supporters are frustrated and disappointed with me. I get that. I was standing where they are not long ago, and I know how much they care about this football club.”
Southampton Still In Transition
Still’s frustrations were compounded by a familiar pattern of play. Southampton controlled possession for long spells and created enough chances to win, only to be punished by a series of self-inflicted mistakes. Shea Charles missed a clear opportunity in the second half, while misplaced passes repeatedly invited Bristol City pressure.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Championship football… 😂pic.twitter.com/g8npkxQV2d
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) October 22, 2025
The result leaves Southampton on 12 points from 11 games, well short of their expected promotion challenge.
Still pointed to the transitional nature of his tenure, reminding supporters that he has been working with the current group for “about a month and a half” after limited changes in the summer transfer window.
“I can’t head it or clear it myself,” he said. “I can’t make sure we don’t lose possession on the halfway line and pass it straight to their striker. Things need to progress.”
Despite the setbacks, Still insisted he remains confident that his tactical framework is sound, describing the first 55 minutes as among Southampton’s best football this season. The challenge, he said, is translating control into resilience, something that will define whether his side can turn results around before the campaign slips away.
With a restless fanbase and a demanding fixture list ahead, the pressure is mounting at St Mary’s.
But if Still’s words are anything to go by, the real battle may now be psychological: convincing his players that accountability, not excuses, will be the first step toward recovery.
