Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has assured that his players are aware that the results that they get from their remaining nine fixtures this season will be vital as to whether they avoid relegation this season.

The Saints play against Newcastle United this weekend in what will be a key match between two sides who are just above the relegation zone.

There is plenty of pressure on Pellegrino and his troops to deliver but the Argentine boss is confident that his men are up to the task.

He said: "I think every single game from now thinking about the next nine games will be massive because we have to try to do our job as soon as possible.

"We have to be focussed on what we have to do on the pitch – how we attack, how we defend, how balanced is our mentality in good moments and difficult moments.

"The team is conscious about how we need to be in this moment, how we approach this situation and we are ready to compete.

"It is difficult to talk to the fans and say we are getting better because since January the team lift performances but now we need results. That is the reality.

"As a manager I have to think about what to do. We need results but the consequence is what we do on the pitch."