Pellegrino on relegation battle: ‘It’s emotional for a lot of people’

Joe Williams

Mauricio Pellegrino has conceded that Liverpool were “too much” to handle as Southampton lost 2-0 at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday.

Goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah gave the Reds victory and meant the Saints ended the day in the Premier League relegation zone.

Referring to Firmino’s opening goal, Pellegrino told Sky Sports: “It was really difficult because we conceded on the counter-attack, where they are really dangerous.

“We then created two or three chances but after their second goal our team were a little bit harmed in their self-confidence and belief.

“We couldn’t show what we are about, it was too much for us.

“We just needed to score one goal to get back in it.”

On his club’s hopes of avoiding relegation, he added: “It’s emotional for a lot of people. It’s tight in the Premier League and the teams can change around.

“We will try to win the next game and until the end we will be there.

“In football everything can change in a few weeks.”