GOALKEEPER Gavin Bazunu admits he feels he is “fighting” for his place every day at Saints, as he reveals the importance of blocking negativity out.
The 21 year old Republic of Ireland international added that it is about finding a balance, though, and trusting those who can guide you.
Bazunu, speaking ahead of his country’s EURO 2024 qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar this month, Bazunu assessed Southampton’s Championship progress.
Manager Russell Martin has put full trust in Bazunu to regain the number one shirt, having been benched by former manager Ruben Selles.
Although the shot-stopper still faces some criticism, Bazunu recorded his first clean sheet of the season in a 1-0 win over Stoke City last week.
He told the Irish Independent: “There’s been a lot of changes at Southampton and the last week of games have been a lot more solid than a couple of weeks before, and it looks like we are starting to get together as a team.
“But like I said for a long time, every time I step on the pitch, I’m fighting for my place, whether that’s for my club or my country. I know every day I feel like I am fighting for my place.
“Every player you see out here performing at a high level has different mental tactics and mental fortitude to work against blocking those things (outside noise) out," he added.
“Finding that balance is a massive part of it because at the end of the day, we’re footballers but we’re all human beings and you have to be able to live your life outside of football.
“I do have someone I work with both in and outside of the club and a lot of people around me in my circle who I listen to a lot and they are the ones who keep me strong. It’s part of the game.
"I’m 21 years old but I’ve been around the game a long time, I listen to the people who are going to allow me to be better.
"As a goalkeeper especially, the scrutiny is so heavy at the top level and for me, I just listen to the people who I know are going to make me better.
“It can be difficult because of the reach of social media these days. Sometimes it’s impossible to stay away from it. You don’t want to have a complete blackout because then you never learn to take it on and be able to almost block it out."
