"We are still here to win games": Pedersen after Southampton defeat at Hillsborough
Wednesday's Jerry Yates found the net with his first goal for the Owls
Sheffield Wednesday are "still here to win games", according to boss Henrik Pedersen, after Owls faced a 3-1 home defeat to Southampton over the weekend.
Saints defenders James Bree, Ryan Manning, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis secured the win.
Wednesday's Jerry Yates found the net with his first goal for the Owls, though it served only as a consolation.
Pedersen acknowledged the difficulties faced by his players, including exhaustion after a congested schedule:
"I think the boys played a strong game today against the strongest squad in the league," Pedersen said.
"They have so much individual quality, but I think we started the game well."
"This was our third game in six days and the boys were tired after getting back late from Norwich in midweek, but we still wanted to press high. In the second half, we changed some things.
"Our press was even higher up and more aggressive. We really gave it a go, we showed big heart and big intensity, and we scored a good goal."
"Our reaction after the third goal shows the mentality in the boys. They kept on going and we created chances, we showed a lot of positive things," he added.
"The atmosphere in the stadium today was absolutely amazing. The fans did not stop supporting the players and we could feel the positivity on the pitch. It gave them all such a big lift."
"We know we are relegated, but we are still here to win games and we are here to give our fans good performances.
"We want to get back on to positive points. I said to the players, 'I hate losing these football games, but I'm so proud of you.' They gave everything they have which I have said a lot this season."
Wednesday were officially relegated last weekend, with the search ongoing for a buyer to take over the club.