The former Arsenal captain, who took charge in the wake of Harry Redknapp's departure to Tottenham Hotspur, was dismissed on Monday morning having won just two of his 16 Premier League games at the helm, with Saturday's last-gasp 3-2 home defeat to Liverpool proving the final straw.
"I am a little bit surprised but results haven't been good," he told BBC Radio Solent.
"I haven't had a lot of time and I certainly haven't had the financial backing. We've had a few injuries as well and that's tough to take. I'm still up for the challenge so I've got mixed feelings.
"The guys worked their socks off at the weekend and I've really got to thank the fans. I thought they were magnificent for the whole game and were really supportive of me and the team. That gave me some inspiration and encouragement ready for the challenge ahead.
"We have been making a lot of mistakes. We are in the results industry and the owner and chairman will point to that. I'm not going to bang on about excuses. I think I could have turned it around but it was not to be."
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