Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg says Southampton fans will be vital against Inter Milan
Wednesday 2 November 2016 11:19, UK
Midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has urged Southampton fans to get the team through their Europa League match against Inter Milan.
Victory on Thursday night at St Mary's would put the Premier League club in good position to progress to the knockout stages.
Southampton, who have a win, a draw and a defeat in the competition so far, are third in their group, tied on points with second-placed Hapoel Beer-Sheva and two points behind leaders Sparta Prague.
Inter, currently without a manager following the sacking of Frank de Boer just two days before their trip to England, have one point fewer than Southampton but have inflicted the Saints' only defeat in the competition so far this season.
"It's a crucial game," said Hojbjerg. "If we win this game I think it looks very good ahead of the knockout stages.
"If we lose the game, we suddenly can be one step behind, and with only two games left then there is a lot to catch and that can be difficult.
"So it's really important to get a good start to the game, to get a good feeling and atmosphere. The fans have to be there, and I really look forward to it."
Hojbjerg, who joined Southampton from Bayern Munich in the close season, pointed out how the thousands of travelling fans had spurred the team on during their narrow 1-0 defeat by Inter at the San Siro last month.
"I must say, I have been at some clubs and I think I have never experienced something like that, and to be that loud doesn't happen a lot.
"The players can feel it, and the players will try to put all their energy into the game... and we will maybe make history and go through to the knockout stages."
