Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has launched a scathing attack on his players after watching them go down 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's on Saturday.
First-half goals from Harry Kane and Dele Alli condemned the Saints to their fourth defeat in five games which leaves them 12th in the Premier League table going into the Christmas period.
Although they still sit seven points clear of the relegation zone, Koeman managed a team that sustained a push for the top four for most of the last campaign and has been left "angry" with their downturn in form.
"We were so naive in defending, and, if we don't change that mentality, we will continue to struggle because teams are too strong," the Dutchman told reporters after the match. "I am angry at the way we conceded the first goal because I cannot accept it. We lost the battle, but we are losing too many battles. We are too nice on the pitch.
"But it's not too late, we have time to react to what we need at this time of the season. That's mentality, togetherness and winning the battles on the pitch. Opponents at the moment are not afraid of Southampton, and we need to work hard and be more aggressive."
He continued: "Maybe the players don't realise enough the situation of the club. Maybe still the players [are] living with what they did last season. If we don't give more than 100%, we have a normal team."
Southampton's run of festive fixtures includes a visit from title challengers Arsenal on Boxing Day, followed by trips to West Ham United and Norwich City.
Neil Wilkes
