Southampton manager Nathan Jones has hit back at comments calling him ‘inept’ after his side’s Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Man City.
The Saints ran away victors at St Mary’s Stadium, securing their place in the competition’s semi-final.
Jones lost his opening four matches and his side still sit bottom of the Premier League, however, back-to-back wins over Crystal Palace and City have helped alleviate pressure on the boss, with the former Luton Town manager hitting back at the criticism.
“I don’t know if I changed perceptions,” Jones said.
“Within 10 minutes of the Brighton game, I was inept.
“The non-League manager criticised me the other day.
“It baffled me. I don’t speak about Havant & Waterlooville.
“I don’t speak about levels I don’t know about,” he added.
Goals from Moussa Djenepo and Sekou Mara secured victory for the Saints in a much-improved showing in comparison to recent weeks.
“I’m really pleased with the performance,” said Jones.
“I thought we were excellent as a team.
“We were aggressive, we were organised, we went after the game, it wasn’t a smash and grab.
“I’m proud of the players and proud of the staff.
“I’ve had people calling me out, I’ve even had non-League managers calling me out saying I’m not good enough.”
The Welshman went toe-to-to with City boss Pep Guardiola and the tactical battle is something that Jones was pleased to win.
“It’s a proud moment for me, ” Jones admitted.
“To be on the same level as him [Guardiola] is wonderful, it’s what I’ve worked very, very hard over my 33-year career to do.
“I’ve believed I’ve earned the right to be here,” the boss insisted.
Whether people think I’m good enough or not doesn’t really affect me because I’ve been questioned at every level I’ve been at and I like to respond.
“It’s been tough but it’s what you’re paid for as a manager.”
