Hasenhüttl wants best of players and fans

Saints host Claudio Ranieri's side in a game that could have big implications at the foot of the Premier League table, with both in search of what would be a precious three points.

Back-to-back defeats for Hasenhüttl's team, after a run of five matches unbeaten, has seen them slip back into the relegation zone, but they could give their survival hopes a significant boost this evening.

Ahead of the game, Hasenhüttl has called on both players and fans to do everything to work together for a positive result.

"We should present Southampton FC, and what it is about to be a supporter of this club, a player or a staff member of this club – to know what a very important game this is," he said.

"I'm feeling because the last two games were not the results we wanted to have that the pressure is on us, but I think the crowd also has a good feeling of what the team needs at the moment, and they will have to tomorrow, because we know we can only come out of this zone together – not only as a team, or not only as the crowd.

"We have to work together and that's what I am demanding for Wednesday."

Hasenhüttl has had limited time to work with his players ahead of the game, following the trip to Arsenal on Sunday, but he is confident they are ready for the challenge.

"It's not about training a lot, it's more about recovery and preparing mentally, and with video," he said.

"We know it is a big game. It is not the final game, but it's a big one, and we should win. Maybe they have to win, and we should win, but we know that against Fulham at home you should take three points."

maybe we can surprise them a little bit and find a different way to handle situations.

ralph hasenhüttl
southampton manager

Hasenhüttl added: "Every opponent in the Premier League has quality and we have to find the right balance of taking risks or stressing them.

"We have been focusing on a few things, and maybe we can surprise them a little bit and find a different way to handle situations. That was the topic of the last few days.

"With Mitrović they have a very, very powerful striker, and in the box he is not always easy to defend because he is a very strong guy. But also they have other players, like Babel and Schürrle.

"They have speed and power, like every Premier League team, but it is not a coincidence they also have trouble to have a clean sheet for example – like we do – and I think the team that makes the least mistakes will win."