Mark Hughes has told his players not to let the pressure of their situation affect them against Bournemouth, and ensure they are positive in their approach right from the start.
Saints host Cherries this afternoon in a crucial fixture, as they look for what would be a precious three points in the fight for Premier League survival.
While there is no doubting the importance of the game, Hughes is also reiterating to his players that they mustn’t be weighed down by the situation they find themselves in.
“The message is be positive in what we’re trying to do and to get the ball into key areas quicker than we have been able to in the past and give ourselves an opportunity to create chances and take them,” he said.
mark hughes
we've got to take everybody with us, and you do that by showing intent and real determination.
southampton manager
“In the games we’ve played, we have shown we’re a threat. We have scored goals and created chances in almost every game we have played, so that will need continue.
“We’ve got to keep the back door shut and keep knocking clean sheets out if we can, to give us a better chance.”
Hughes, who has been enormously appreciative of the backing the fans have given him and the team since his arrival, also believes the onus is on the players to give the supporters something to latch onto.
“I think since I’ve been here the support that we’ve had, with the vast majority being away support, has been very vocal,” he said. “It was once again at Wembley.
“In the home game against Chelsea I thought they were fantastic. Clearly, our attitude and approach got everyone on board very quickly, so we’ll endeavour to do that again.
“We’ve got to take everybody with us and you do that by showing intent and real determination to get the job done. Our fans will react to that and get behind us, I’m sure.”
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