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Rusk on Walker-Peters, pride and a chance to 'ruin the party'

Rusk on Walker-Peters, pride and a chance to 'ruin the party'

BBC News16-05-2025

Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Everton (kick-off 12:00 BST).Here are the key lines from his news conference:Rusk admitted there is a "decision to be made" on the fitness of Kyle Walker-Peters after he missed last weekend's draw against Manchester City through illness.He added: "Other than that we've got generally got a fit squad to choose from."When asked if he will change his side after last weekend's result he said: "The guys who came in last week gave a great account of themselves and played a part in a wonderful result. Ultimately I'll pick the best team for the job on the day."On the importance of pushing the players in the final two games: "Last week we were fighting to finish the season as strong as possible and in terms of our process going in to these games there is no change. We also know, we mentioned the quality of the Premier League, and I don't think you can go in to this game with a mindset other than trying to be your best."On playing in the last game at Goodison Park: "It won't be overwhelming for us. How many of these players played in the play-off final at Wembley last year? That supersedes this from our perspective as a football club so that's no concern for me. We want to go and ruin the party if you like, from our point of view we want to finish the season with as much pride as possible."Rusk added: "We are professional players, when the whistle blows you are focused on your own individual job and the teams job. Whether it's partisan or not or a hot atmosphere on the day, the lads will want to win the game and will want to play well so I don't see that as being a distraction."Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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