MANAGER Russell Martin insisted Saints can not think about their FA Cup tie against Liverpool later this month due to the Championship’s hectic schedule.
Southampton beat Watford 3-0 in a fourth round replay at St Mary’s on Tuesday evening to set up a clash with the Premier League giants.
Sekou Mara hit a brace – taking his tally for the season up to five – before Che Adams fired in from close range.
Having faced Liverpool nine times as a player, this month’s cup tie will mark the first time the retired defender has gone up against them as a manager.
“It will be exciting and brilliant, but it isn’t something we can think about yet – we have five other games in between now and then.
“We will dictate how we feel about the game and what team plays once those games are done. It’s an amazing opportunity and a great place to play football.
“To play against Jurgen Klopp, one of the best managers in the world, in his last season there will be amazing.
“Anfield holds a special place for me because I scored there on the day my son was born. It was probably the only point I ever took at Anfield.
“I know how tough it is to go there and play football. We will go there when we have got all of these games out of the way.
“We will try to be the team that we want to be. We wan’t to challenge, but there is so much to focus on before we get there. It is about learning from tonight – especially the first half.”
Martin admitted the occasion of facing Liverpool at Anfield will mean a lot to him and his Liverpool supporting family members.
“My uncle is a big Liverpool fan,” he continued. “He has already text me saying he wants to book a hotel.
“My sons are going to come as well because it will be an amazing experience for them. They might have to miss a few days of school.
“I might have to pay a fine for that, let’s see if the headteacher is understanding.
“There is so much to do between now and then that I won’t be able to look forward to it too much – but other people can.
“The cup is a free-hit to go there and be the team that we want to be. Let’s see where that takes us.”
Southampton face Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday, February 28 in an 8:00PM kick-off.
