Interim Southampton boss Simon Rusk says it will be a “great honour” to take charge of the team against Liverpool, but he cannot get “overly emotional” about the situation.
Rusk, who joined the club as manager of the under-21s in the summer, has been put in temporary charge of the team following the sacking of Russell Martin on Sunday after the Saints’ heavy 5-0 defeat at home by Tottenham.
The 43-year-old has a tough first task ahead of him as he prepares to face Premier League leaders and current Carabao Cup holders Liverpool in the quarter-final of the competition on Wednesday night.
Having only had one permanent role as a first-team manager, asked in his pre-match news conference if this would be up there among his experiences, he said: “Absolutely. We are working to prepare a game against one of the most in form teams in arguably the world or Europe. That speaks for itself.
“For me, I would ultimately like to focus on the process. If I become overly emotional in any aspect as a coach, I could start thinking and taking my eye off ball about what is the immediate task in hand. Where are the players at physically, mentally, emotionally? What is the opponent’s strengths? What is the opponent’s weaknesses? I just have to stick to that process
“What I would say is that it is a great honour. I have worked at the club since the summer, it has got a great tradition, the fanbase is super committed and loyal and they are behind the players. So for me, concentrating on that as my focus is the right and professional thing to do.
“There is always a period of reflection after, and it will be a proud moment for me without any shadow of a doubt and it is a great honour. It is a great honour to represent the club and guide them into such an important game.”