Fans are jokingly calling it a “curse” as Aaron Ramsdale, the 26-year-old goalkeeper, is facing relegation from the Premier League for the third time in his professional career.
Ramsdale`s team, Southampton, is heading back to the Championship League after being promoted just last season.
Ramsdale believes relegation was likely after their 3-1 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.
However, the player, who was also relegated with Bournemouth in 2020 and Sheffield United the following year, mentioned that the Southampton team is determined to avoid breaking Derby`s record low of 11 points in a season.
Southampton needs two more points to avoid this record as they are confirmed to be relegated.
Ramsdale, 26, commented, “We knew it was probably going to happen eventually; we haven`t performed well enough throughout the season. The better team outplayed us.”
“We showed more effort in the second half, but it`s a disappointing day, and it`s a learning experience for the team.”
“We aim to gain as many points as possible until the season ends. Nobody wants to have that Derby record.”
Ramsdale now shares a similar number of relegations with other goalkeepers like Ben Foster and Kevin Phillips.
The record for most relegations is five, held jointly by Nathan Blake, formerly a striker for Bolton, and Herman Hreidarsson from Iceland, who was relegated with five different clubs.
Fans online quickly reacted, stating that “the curse is real.”
One fan said, “The Ramsdale curse is indeed real, unfortunately.”
Another commented, “Relegationdale.”
One more user noted, “You have to admire his consistency.”
Another added, “He shouldn`t be too hard on himself.”
Southampton is immediately relegated after being promoted last season through play-offs under Russell Martin.
Ramsdale, who joined from Arsenal for £18 million in the summer, added, “Some players are experiencing relegation for the first time, so it will be emotionally tough for them in the coming days.”
“For those of us who have been through this before, we need to support the younger players. This team achieved great things last season.”
“No one wants to leave the team with seven games remaining. We are united, and we need to support each other through this.”
Southampton`s manager, Ivan Juric, who replaced Martin in December, believes the club made mistakes in player recruitment and that the young team wasn`t ready for the Premier League`s physical demands.
However, he was touched by the home fans applauding the relegated team after the match.
Juric stated, “For me, this is a completely new experience.”
“The way they support their team and players, even as we face relegation, is incredible to me. Truly incredible.”
“They deserve much more, and everyone at Southampton needs to improve and build something stronger than what we`ve had this year.”
Juric may not continue as manager next season, with Danny Rohl from Sheffield Wednesday being considered as a possible replacement.
However, Juric seemed willing to stay and help the team in the Championship, saying, “It`s great to coach in the Premier League, and after taking a long path to get back here, I am ready.”
“Now, I need to discuss with the club, understand their ideas, and share my thoughts to decide if we can move forward together.”
Southampton`s relegation was confirmed by Brennan Johnson’s two goals and a penalty from Mathys Tel, with Mateus Fernandes scoring a consolation goal for Southampton.
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham`s manager, praised Johnson`s performance, especially with the upcoming Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Postecoglou mentioned, “Whenever Brennan plays, he is always a threat to score. He is very important for our playing style. I am very happy with his performance, not just his goals.”
