Ralph Hasenhuttl says Southampton going unbeaten against their relegation rivals will go a long way to them staying in the Premier League.
The Austrian has done an excellent job since taking charge at St Mary’s, with Saints unbeaten in all competitions in 2019.
He has steered them away from the relegation zone following Mark Hughes’ exit, but there is still plenty of work to do.
Hasenhuttl’s men face a crucial game on Saturday afternoon as they make the trip to Burnley.
The two teams are level on 23 points – Southampton are ahead on goal difference – with four points separating them and 18th-place Cardiff City.
Hasenhuttl told Southampton’s official website that results against those in and around his side, including Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and an upcoming clash with Cardiff, will be key to their Premier League survival:
It’s more important that we go unbeaten against these types of opponents.
It was for sure that these three games can be the most important in the season.
We are in a good position now, four points ahead of Cardiff with a better goal difference, so it looks good, but we are still not out of trouble.
It would be a shock now if Saints did go down this season, considering the strides already made under their new manager.
Defeat this weekend would make life uncomfortable, however, with a draw more than adequate and a win huge.
