Southampton's Stephens opens up on injury and winning back his spot

The defender was forced to watch on from the stands as he worked his way back from an injury that saw him miss 17 matches.

Southampton lost the first four of those games before turning things around and mounting an unbeaten run - which now stands at 16 games.

The defender found it difficult to watch at first but felt "more relaxed" with every game they avoided defeat.

“It was tough to start with," Stephens told the Daily Echo. "It was really tough. We had a bit of a wobble. We took a few games to get into the swing of things again.

"Fairplay to the lads, we aren’t a very vocal group - we are quite a young and inexperienced group with a lot of new players.

“It wasn’t just me being injured. We also had the transfer window shutting, players who could have gone but didn’t and players coming in that weren’t quite up to speed yet.

“It takes a little bit of time to fit into a new team. Once we got past that the lads felt more comfortable in the group and the lads talked to each other a lot more.

"I feel like we have really stepped it up and carried that on for 16 games now. There is a lot more talking organisation.

"There is a lot more confidence in what they are saying which is a good thing. The more people talking the better it will be. “

Defenders Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis have played a crucial role in helping Saints transform their form.

The duo have formed a formidable centre-back partnership in Stephens' absence, although the 29 year old did not watch on with any bitterness about losing his spot.

“I enjoyed it much more when we were winning, it was difficult to watch when we were getting beaten.

"Obviously, I want to be out there. When you are winning games you want to be out there enjoying and being a part of it.

"I think you turn into a bit of a fan when you are winning games - it was enjoyable to watch.

“I felt more relaxed as each game went on. I was really tense to start, but once you could see us building momentum it’s great to watch.

“I’ve been out for nearly four months. Had we been on a bad run I might have been thrown in a little bit quicker.

"It’s really good that we are on a good run. I’ve been able to ease myself in and build up my minutes. 

“It was quite a big injury. It’s worked in my favour to slowly be integrated back into the team."

Stephens’ first game back came as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers. He was greeted by a warm reception from those inside St Mary’s.

Captain Jack is back.

Chants of Super Jack Stephens ring around St Mary’s!#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/XRF8ejhCeL

— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) December 16, 2023

Chants of Super Jack Stephens rang around the stadium as he entered the field to replace Harwood-Bellis.

“That was amazing," Stephens reflected. "It was really nice to have that moment with the fans. It’s a nice feeling to be appreciated like that.

"Even when I was injured I was getting loads of messages wishing me back soon which was nice."

The former Plymouth defender also featured for Southampton’s Under-21s in their Premier League International Cup fixture against Dinamo Zagreb.

Stephens played the first half (48 minutes) before being replaced at halftime in a bit to build fitness.

“That was a really good experience. The manager told me I probably wasn't going to start the QPR game, but he wanted to try to get some more minutes into me.

"It was probably done with the Swansea game in mind. That gave me the platform to go and play 70 minutes.”

The Swansea game in question saw Stephens start for the first time in 122 days.

Eyebrows were raised when supporters spotted their captain was playing at right-back, with Kyle Walker-Peters favoured on the wing.

Although it is a role he has played before, he admitted it took him some time to adjust to what the current system demands from fullbacks.

“I loved it," Stephens added. "It’s obviously a slightly different role to where I have played over the last couple of years. I’ve played in that position quite a few times.

“It’s slightly different in this system. It took me 10 to 15 minutes to get to grips with the positioning when we have the ball.

"When we don’t have the ball it is not that different. I felt like I had an impact on things once I got into the game.

"The different thing with this system is that the fullbacks tend to play inside a lot.  A normal right-back would stay wide and play the ball to the winger or midfielder - it’s fairly straightforward.

"This system is a bit more complex, but because of the system, it’s a lot easier - you always have an option.”

Asked if we could see him continue at right-back, Stephens admitted: “I don’t know. You’d have to ask the manager. I’ve told him that I’m happy to play anywhere.

“I’ve played across the back four in my career and I’ve played in midfield. I just want to be on the pitch so I’m happy to play anywhere.

"If the manager thinks it’s a position I can play then I will trust him and give 100 per cent.”