Maya Yoshida: ‘Southampton needs to show spirit’

Southampton defender Maya Yoshida says he and his teammates must improve once they return from the international break.

Up next for Saints is an away trip to South Coast neighbours AFC Bournemouth, who are enjoying a rich vein of form at present.

Yoshida has been called up for Japan’s squad to face Uruguay and Panama in friendlies.

He played his first Premier League game of the season for Southampton on Sunday, as Saints lost 3-0 at home to Chelsea.

“We need to get back in really good condition when we restart the Premier League because October/November is a really important time for us,” said Yoshida [H/T the Daily Echo].

“For the derby [at Bournemouth] we have to show more fight, we have to show our good spirit.

“[Our home form] is really difficult to explain, but one win can make a big difference. We need to get back on track as soon as possible.

“Everyone has to play better, we have to improve a lot.”