Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri was satisfied with the effort from his players after defeat to Southampton.

The Whites switched formation to play a diamond in midfield but they were unable to prevent Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse from giving the Saints a first-half lead they could hang on to.

Ranieri said: “The disappointment is very high because every time the opponent shoots at goal, they score a goal, it's unbelievable.

“This season it's happened many times, and also tonight the first two shots on goal, they scored and I think when this happens the confidence goes down.

“We tried to do our best but that's it, that's the maximum my players can do.

“Always in my career I am used to working hard. I know it's very difficult but until it's mathematically impossible we continue to fight, and also after, we have to go out onto the pitch always with our heads held high."

Despite Fulham now ten points from safety, Ranieri refused to disregard his sense of belief and encouragement for the squad.

“I'm used to believing, something could happen, if you don't believe it's done, you have to believe, you have to fight, if you don't fight it's already lost," said Ranieri.