Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino ready for 'massive' run-in
Thursday 8 March 2018 16:23, UK
Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino says his side face nine massive games between now and the end of the season as they seek Premier League survival.
Pellegrino thinks his side have been playing better since the turn of the year but says it is points rather than performances which matter from now on.
Pellegrino's side have won just one of their last 15 Premier League matches, and travel to relegation rivals Newcastle on Saturday, with the sides currently occupying the two places above the drop zone.
"Thinking about the next nine games, every single game will be massive," said Pellegrino.
"Because we have to try and do our job as soon as possible, and I think we are ready to compete.
"It is difficult now to say to the fans and to the people 'OK, we are getting better' because, since January, obviously I think the team lift performance, but now we need to get results - it is reality.
"We have to be focused on what we have to do on the pitch. How we attack, how we defend, how balanced is our mentality in good moments and difficult moments.
"I don't like it and I suffer when we can't get good results, like fans, like everybody."
On Saturday Pellegrino will come up against Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez, whom he played under at Valencia and Liverpool, before later becoming part of the Spaniard's coaching staff at Anfield.
"We are in contact sometimes, yes," Pellegrino added.
"Obviously I have had a lot of relations with Rafa and I will always be grateful with him, because I have been with him as a player and assistant and also with his staff."
