Mauricio Pellegrino: 'Southampton must focus on simple things to improve'

Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has said that his side must "do the simple things well" if they are to return to form in the Premier League.

The Saints, who were beaten 5-2 by Tottenham Hotspur on Boxing Day, are three points clear of the relegation zone and sit 14th in the top flight.

Pellegrino's side have not won since the defeat of Everton in November, and the Argentine manager has urged his side to focus on themselves before rediscovering their confidence.

"Especially to do the simple things well," he said when asked what his side must work on. "When you are in this moment and not playing really well you have to do simple things.

"We have to be more solid, be more consistent, and little by little to increase our confidence. I expect us to do the simple things in the right way. Talking with the players [after Tottenham], we were analysing that the first thing we have to change is ourselves.

"Don't think too much about the opponent, we have to think about ourselves, us individually, and after as a character, and then translate this to the whole picture."

Southampton face Manchester United on Saturday as their search for a win continues.