Southampton make the trip to Anfield on Wednesday to face Premier League table-toppers Liverpool in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The Saints have suffered a loss of form after their 25-game unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of Bristol City earlier this month.
Three defeats in their last four games have left them fourth in the Championship and five points adrift of second-placed Leeds United, so a trip to Anfield may seem a daunting task.
But that isn’t the mindset of captain Jack Stephens, who has rejected the notion that is could serve as a distraction.
Jack Stephens relishing the opportunity to face Liverpool
Ahead of Southampton‘s mid-week cup clash, Stephens spoke to BBC Radio Solent and described the game as an ‘amazing opportunity’.
“We’ve got to shake off the last result and look forward to an exciting game on Wednesday before the league game on Saturday,” the 30-year-old said.
“I’m glad you’ve (interviewer) used the word opportunity and not distraction because I think it’s a real sad place if we’re calling a cup tie away at Liverpool a distraction. I think it’s an amazing opportunity to go and play, go and show what we’re all about.
We’ll go there with plenty of confidence because we’ve had a really good season so far and we’re comfortable in the way we play and we’ll give it a real good shot and see what happens.”
Though, despite Stephens’ excitement towards the game, it seems his manager Russell Martin isn’t on the same page.
Russell Martin admits Saints ‘could do without’ Liverpool game
Russell Martin appears to be in disagreement with his skipper and admits his side ‘could do without’ the trip to Anfield.
“We could do without that right now if I’m being honest,” the former Swansea boss said.
“But, we will have 5,000 supporters going there who have been amazing on the road this season. We need to make sure we go there and give a good account of ourselves and make it worthwhile for those people.
We have worked very hard to get there. We need to make sure it is a good night for us as a club and a group.”
Martin did further note that it could serve as a great opportunity to put behind the recent poor results. “It is also a chance to take out some frustration from the last couple of games or the last couple of weeks.”