‘Nothing close to feeling I’m getting’: Portsmouth boss sets sights on Southampton
The South Coast Derby is back — and for the first time in 13 years, Portsmouth and Southampton are set to clash in the league. For Pompey boss John Mousinho, the emotions swirling ahead of the showdown are unlike anything he’s experienced in his managerial journey so far.
Mousinho, speaking ahead of the highly anticipated fixture, admitted the build-up to facing fierce rivals Southampton is stirring a passion and intensity that runs deeper than tactics and league standings. The 38-year-old manager, who guided Portsmouth back to the Championship last season, says the connection he’s built with the city is amplifying what this derby means — not just to the club, but to the people who live and breathe it.
“There’s nothing close to the feeling I’m getting ahead of this one,” Mousinho said. “The rivalry, the emotion, the history — you can feel it in every conversation, every street, every fan. This isn’t just another game; it’s a defining moment.”
While he has tasted big games before, Mousinho concedes that the south coast battle is a different beast entirely. Having fully immersed himself in the Pompey community since taking charge, he says he now understands why this fixture carries such magnitude — and why a win would mean everything.
“The more time I spend here, the more I understand what this club means to people. There’s a real synergy building between myself, the team, and the city,” he continued. “That brings with it a responsibility — and an opportunity. To lead Pompey into a derby like this is special. I’ll never take it lightly.”
The derby, last contested in the league during the 2011-12 Championship season, is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about fixtures in the new campaign. Tickets sold out in minutes, and anticipation is rising with each passing day. For Pompey fans, the match offers a chance to claim bragging rights over their long-time adversaries — something they haven’t had many opportunities to do in recent years.
Mousinho knows full well what’s at stake, but he’s determined to channel the pressure into a performance that reflects the grit and pride of Portsmouth. He wants his players to understand the emotion of the occasion, but not be overwhelmed by it.
“You don’t want to play the game before it’s started,” he warned. “We’ll prepare with discipline, focus, and respect for the magnitude of the moment. But when the whistle goes, we’ll be ready to fight for everything this badge stands for.”
As the countdown to the derby continues, Mousinho’s message is clear: this isn’t just about football. It’s about identity, pride, and proving that Portsmouth — and its people — belong back on the biggest stages.
And in John Mousinho, the city may just have found the leader to deliver that message where it matters most — on the pitch.
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