Southampton will stand by Nathan Jones despite horrendous form and heated press conference where he compared himself to Europe’s top managers

Southampton boss Nathan Jones is set to be given a stay of execution, according to talkSPORT.

Jones’ future was discussed by Saints owners Sport Republic over the weekend after they were beaten 3-0 at Brentford.

After the game, Jones went on a bizarre outburst calling himself “one of the best managers in Europe” last season.

He also claimed he was influenced to change his style of play and ‘submitted’ to Premier League players.

Jones also singled out midfielder Romeo Lavia for his performance after being pushed around by ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ taunts when he was substituted.

“I made a compromise,” he said. “I compromised in terms of certain principles because of one, the staff, but two, the way people want to play and so on.

“I compromised because of the fans etc, a few things but – no more. I had great success playing a free-flowing style, Luton were a very aggressive forward side.

“Statistically, there wasn’t much better than me in Europe in terms of aggression, clean sheets, defending the box, balls in the box, xG, all that kind of stuff.

“We were the best pound for pound because we spent next to nothing and produced so much. And I walked away from that.

“Maybe it’s because of the Premier League or the way things look – players, internationals and stuff like that. I had to compromise on some things and I won’t. more. “

The comments are believed to have gone down well with several senior stars, but Saints sporting director Rasmus Ankersen, who was responsible for Jones’ surprise appointment, appears to be standing with the former Luton manager.

That could change if Saints lose again at home to their relegation rivals on Saturday or if Ankersen changes their minds.

The former Brentford co-director of football is due to appear at a fan forum on Tuesday alongside other board members.

Some Saints fans plan to protest outside St Mary’s Stadium ahead of the ticket-only game.

Jones replaced sacked Ralph Hasenhuttl in November but won just one Premier League game, leaving Saints rooted to the bottom of the table.