Southampton legend Franny Benali on errors in winless start to season

That's only natural. The mistakes we have made so far this season have contributed to a winless start to our Premier League campaign.

Of the five goals Southampton have conceded this season, four have come from mistakes - but I think we all expected these errors to come.

They come with the territory of the way we play and we know what the Premier League is like. More often than not errors are punished.

I think the players, and Russell himself, are finding their feet in the Premier League. It is frustrating when you undo your hard work with mistakes, but that is part of football.

We almost have to accept that to a degree and hope that the mistakes go unpunished or that we can eradicate them.

Southampton squad ahead of facing Nottingham Forest (Image: PA)
You learn that when you are a player. Russell and his coaching staff are not daft. You learn about different scenarios when you are thrown in at the deep end.

You find a way to get over the setbacks and the mistakes that might happen. When you don't learn it is either because you're foolish or you can't find a way to overcome the challenges.

I don't think either of those two issues will be a problem for this Saints squad. We will find a way to improve and I imagine Russell will tweak the team and his system.

With the way the transfer window has worked out and the timings of players arriving and leaving, I think there is an element of Russell trying to work out where each piece should fit.

His best lineup is still up in the air at the moment but the squad is one that can keep Southampton up this season. Everyone has their part to play.

We are not going to throw the philosophy out the window - doing that after three games would be wrong, and Russell has stated he will not do that.

We do, however, need to be a bit more pragmatic. We need to eliminate the scenarios where we could make a mistake.

That comes down to decision-making. There is a lot of talk about bravery, but there is no point in being brave if you are making the wrong decision.

Saints gifted Brentford two goals last weekend (Image: PA)
In some ways, the international break might help us. Although some players will be away with their country, this is a chance for us to take stock and work on what has gone wrong.

The international break is also an opportunity for us to see how England perform now that Gareth Southgate is no longer at the helm.

I wish Lee Carsley all the best and will be following with great interest. I'm sure he sees this as an opportunity to put himself in the frame for the job on a permanent basis.

He has previously worked with Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who was his England Under-21s captain. I know he has ambitions of playing for his country.

That pre-existing relationship and level of trust could work in his favour, but he needs to establish himself as a Premier League player first.

Kyle Walker-Peters is a name on Carsley's mind having been included on the standby list for this month's camp.

Kyle Walker-Peters has two caps for England (Credit: PA)
Although not a full call-up, I'm delighted that Kyle is still being recognised on the international stage. He can continue playing with the knowledge he is close to the squad.

He stuck with us last season and played in the Championship when he could have easily departed to remain in the Premier League.

It's brilliant to see that his decision to do that has been vindicated. Keeping him this summer is also a great achievement for the club.

While I'm sure they'll be keen to tie him down to a longer contract with his current deal set to expire next summer, Kyle can play an important role this season.

He brings a consistent level of class on the field and is versatile enough to play multiple roles - something which could play into his hands with England as well.

Saints Women get their season started with a home game against Bristol City (Image: Southampton FC)
I would also like to wish Saints Women good luck ahead of their Women's Championship opener against Bristol City at St Mary's tomorrow.

Hopefully, they can get their season started with a good performance and result against tough opposition.

I know the club is striving for promotion this season, but, as head coach Remi Allen pointed out, it's going to be tough.

We have recently welcomed former Saints Women captain Rosie Parnell into the Saints Foundation as an ambassador and I can't wait to start working with her.