Bednarek believes Southampton are heading in 'right direction'

The Polish international insisted Southampton need to stop losing the ball in dangerous areas and "react" better when they do concede possession.

Russell Martin's side are winless in their first seven games this season - their only point came from a 1-1 draw with fellow promoted side Ipswich Town.

Bednarek, who recently signed a new multi-year deal at St Mary's remains optimistic that Saints can turn their fortunes around.

Speaking to ViaPlay Poland after the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, he said: "When you lose the ball in the middle of the pitch once, they will take advantage of it. We have to analyze this match, but I think we are going in the right direction.

Southampton's Jan Bednarek against Manchester United (Image: Stuart Martin) "After what happened in Bournemouth in the first half, the reaction in the second half was better. 

"The game against Arsenal, I think it was optimistic, but at the moment the most important thing for us is the points and we need that.

"At the moment, when we conceded that goal (the equaliser, scored by Kai Havertz) when we lost the ball, we were well positioned, it was just a mistake and that's the ball.

"Things will happen, but I think that the reaction after losing was not good enough. We would have stopped it, we would have reacted in a way that would fix that mistake.

"I think that we definitely have to work on that, that the style in which we play and the way we play cause these losses to be at such a level when the organisation in the opponent's pressing is at such a high level.

"I think that what we have to practice are two things. Either don't lose those balls or simply react very well to those losses.

"We're showing that even at Arsenal we can play good football, we can play well, but in the end, the most important thing is the results and that's what we need at the moment."

Jan Bednarek signed a new three-year deal last month (Image: Southampton FC) Asked how Saints can bounce back from a slow start to the season, Bednarek said: "Simply win the match.

"I think that's the hardest, easiest and most beautiful thing in all of this. This path we're going through now is of course difficult. 

"There's stress, a bit of a headache. There's a bit of, you could say, fear of what's going to happen, but it's something wonderful.

"To go through it, to experience it, to be in the best league in the world. Even though it's hard, we have to draw a lot of experience from it.

"We have a young team, so I think that step by step we are going in the right direction and with such a good coach, such a good staff, we know that with hard work we can achieve it and even this season we can be calm inside."

Bednarek drew praise for his performance against Arsenal, which saw him make a number of blocks and key defensive interventions.

Jan Bednarek against Arsenal (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson) Manager Martin felt Bednarek's performance was undeserving of a 3-1 defeat and admitted we are starting to see the best of the defender.

Bednarek was pleased with his own performance but insisted the result was much more important.

He concluded: You want to play your best for the team individually, because that's why we train, to play in such matches.

"But in the end, we lose the match and we definitely have to draw a lot of conclusions. Of course, I try to help the team as best I can on the pitch.

"My task is to block these shots, clear crosses, play the ball. I have a lot of tasks on the pitch and I try to fulfil them as best as I can.

"Sometimes it will be better, sometimes worse, but for me, the most important thing is the next move, the next ball and what I can do best, I do.

"Sometimes I just, I don't know, lack of skills, experience. I don't know, a few things may be missing, but I always want the team to do well.

"I always want to play the best I can and I think that of course there were a few important blocks in this match, but I think that is natural when playing against Arsenal."