Rickie Lambert told his Southampton team-mates they "have to get on with the job" under shock new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The Saints started life without back-to-back promotion-winning boss Nigel Adkins, who was sacked on Friday, with a goalless draw against Everton at St Mary's on Monday night. Southampton can now be backed at 2.75 in the Premier League 'to be relegated' market.
It was a spirited performance from the south-coast club given the upheaval off the pitch but Lambert, who hit the post with a free-kick and had a header cleared off the line, said there was little point in the players sulking.
The former Bristol Rovers striker admitted it had been a difficult few days since learning of Adkins' shock departure but demanded the players quickly set about adapting to Pochettino's methods.
"It's been a hell of a few days, a lot of people are disappointed at the club but the players have to get on with the job," said Lambert.
"We are already getting to grips with the manager's ideas. He wants high pressure, a high tempo and it showed in the first half."
Southampton return to Premier League duty next Wednesday when they make the difficult trip to Old Trafford to take on leaders Manchester United. The Saints are currently priced 13.00 to collect a shock away win, with the draw available at 6.50 and Sir Alex Ferguson's side 1.20.
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