James Bree on why 'massive' win can help Southampton build confidence

The victory put a stop to Southampton's three-game winless run and brought them closer to the automatic promotion spots after Leeds, Ipswich and Leicester dropped points.

Saints answered Russell Martin's calls for more energy and were selfless in their running for the majority of the game.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Bree said: "It’s a massive win. It’s good to build confidence again after the last few results.

"It’s nice to get back to winning ways. We played really well for 70 minutes until they scored. It was a different performance at the end as we ground it out but I’m glad to get three points.

James Bree has been in and out of the Southampton side this season (Image: Stuart Martin)

"Once they scored, they got a bit of momentum, but I don't think they troubled us too much. They just had more of the ball in the last 20 minutes. 

"Coventry are a good team, we knew what they could do and how they could hurt us. I felt we limited them and got around their main players. 

"The gaffer spoke a lot to the lads about upping the energy before the game, even if you might not be getting the ball.

"I thought that was evident, especially in the first 60 minutes. It was a bit different as we worked together and defended towards the end, but the energy levels were high tonight."

Bree came back into the side after missing Saturday's 0-0 draw at Blackburn Rovers through suspension.

He was praised by Martin post-match, after what was only his 14th Championship appearance of the season.

The Wakefield-born defender started on the right but switched on occasion with Kyle Walker-Peters, who made a claim for the opener.

Walker-Peters' long-range drive went in off Scotland international Che Adams, who is also adamant the goal should be his.

"Che was claiming it to be fair," Bree smiled. "I didn’t see much of it so I’m going to have to say it was Che’s. It’s nice to get a little bit of luck through a deflection or however, it goes in.

"A goal is a goal. I think a lot of the goals recently have been perfect passing moves. Goals are hard to score sometimes so it’s also nice to get the little scrappy ones.

"I'm buzzing to be in and around it again with the boys. I've been working really hard to get back in the team.

"The main aim is promotion so it doesn't matter if you are starting or not, but I just want to help the boys as much as I can.

"I was disappointed personally with how the Ipswich game ended, and for the team, but getting another 90 under my belt is a good feeling."

Having made a dent in their promotion rivals' lead, Bree insisted Saints need to remain focused on themselves heading into the final games. 

"This win is massive, especially for the confidence. We’re taking it game by game. We’ll obviously fight till the end and then see what happens.

"We’ve just got to do our job and then whatever happens around us happens. We’re just going to fight till the very end and see where we are.

"Hopefully, we can play as well as we can and win as many games as possible. Hopefully, that can get us into the automatics but if not we’ve got another three games (in the playoffs)."