This has been a season of progress under the Dutchman, who is just the second manager in the Reds' history to win a major trophy in his first campaign in charge.
But just a week after that Carabao Cup final win against Newcastle came a crushing 7-0 defeat at bitter rivals Liverpool - the club's joint heaviest loss of all time.
Ten Hag's men bounced back with a 4-1 victory against Real Betis in Thursday's Europa League tie and now return to Premier League action for the first time since the Anfield annihilation.
Asked if they again needed to show mental strength when struggling Southampton visit this afternoon, Ten Hag said: "Ah, definitely.
"We have seen two weeks ago Southampton beat Chelsea away, so we have to play an outstanding performance on Sunday to beat Southampton.
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