Thursday 18 December 2014 16:30, UK
Ronald Koeman is hoping a change of approach will reap dividends for Southampton this weekend.
Southampton face Everton at St Mary's on Saturday without a win in their last six games, and Koeman is keen for the players to make amends for the limp midweek League Cup exit at Sheffield United.
The Dutchman said: "The team was doing well after a good start to the season and now the past few weeks we are disappointed about the results, but not about the way we have lost against Burnley (1-0) or the way we have lost against Man United (2-1).
"But the way we lost against Sheffield United was disappointing because we did not have the fight, the spirit or the aggressive play that we normally have.
"Sheffield showed us how you have to deal with a Premier League club when you are a League One team and that is the message we need to heed for Saturday.
"I was very disappointed on Tuesday but that is all in the past and the nice thing about football is that there is always the next game. It can change a lot of things and we have to change our teamwork, our belief and our spirit.
"If somebody told me in pre-season that in the middle of December we'd be fifth, I'd say give me the paper and I'll sign it now. I know my players and I know how they can play football. Maybe it's about freshness and changes in the team."
Koeman has cooled paper talk that Southampton might be lining up a January move for Wesley Sneijder, claiming he would never be able to afford the veteran Dutch midfielder's wages.
He said: "I am interested but we can't pay him. I know that because his agent is my agent. There is nothing in that.
Seriously."
Dusan Tadic has been ruled out against Everton, while Steven Davis and Graziano Pelle are doubtful and will face late tests.
Koeman admits he may have to turn to youth as a result with Harrison Reed and Lloyd Isgrove among the academy graduates with a chance of making a first Premier League start this weekend.
Jason McCarthy, Dominic Gape, Jake Flannigan, Sam McQueen and Ryan Seager are others vying for a place in the squad.
"We know that if we have a lot of injuries, like we have, it is one of the philosophies of the club to bring in young players," said Koeman.
"Maybe we will play two or three young under-21s players this Saturday, maybe we will have three on the bench. This is one of the philosophies."
