Tuesday 26 February 2019 16:53, UK
Claudio Ranieri insisted every Fulham match between now and the end of the season is "like a final" in their fight for Premier League survival.
Fulham's position is looking even more perilous week after week, as they sit eight points from safety, having shipped 60 league goals already and are winless away from home in the Premier League this season, ahead of a trip to Southampton on Wednesday.
With Southampton also very much embroiled in a relegation battle, the significance of the encounter is not lost on Ranieri, who knows his side need to start picking up points quickly.
"I have said so many times, every match is like a final for us," Ranieri said. "We have to play with this on our minds. Every ball is important to win or lose the match. I am confident in my players.
"I expect a lot of pressure from them [Southampton]. They move the ball quickly and play very directly. It will be very important to create big chances to score lots of goals.
"I work a lot with a tactical way, but sometimes the little mistakes can cost you. It is about how you react.
"We can score goals. So many times we have scored the first goal and after we draw or lost.
"You imagine if we could have won against Leicester, Wolves, the last match, we would have more points. Now we have to react because there are a lot of matches in a row."
Ranieri, who performed miracles in steering Leicester to a shock Premier League title in 2015/16, issued a rallying cry to fans, calling for unity in the fight for survival.
"We have to be together, to believes because it is very important, with our supporters we can do this job," Ranieri added. "I think the feeling between me and the players is important. Only together we can achieve things."
