Reds will be a big test for us, says Pellegrino
Mauricio Pellegrino knows Southampton will have to produce a “perfect” display to get the better of Liverpool at St Mary’s Stadium today.
The Reds head to the south coast looking to build momentum after being denied victory against top-four rivals Tottenham last weekend by a controversial stoppage-time penalty from Harry Kane.
Mohamed Salah scored twice in the 2-2 draw, taking the Egyptian’s tally to 21 Premier League goals from an impressive campaign so far.
Pellegrino, himself a former Liverpool player, knows just what challenge lies ahead of his team, aiming to continue their recent improved form following a much-needed 3-2 win at West Brom.
“When you play against a side like Liverpool, you have to do everything almost perfect to beat this type of team, but we are also in a good situation to try to play against them,” he said.
“A win would be massive for us, but the performance on the pitch has to be with improved efficiency, with a mentality which is crucial in this situation.
“We want to continue in this path, we are growing, but this is obviously a huge test for us.”
Despite the form of Salah, Pellegrino warned his team not to be fixated on stopping only the Liverpool No. 11.
“He is a top-class player, but one player alone can do nothing when you don’t have a context, the connection and co-ordination with your team-mates,” the Southampton manager said.
“Salah is an important player, but so is their striker, their midfielder and defenders. Liverpool are a really good team and have a lot of capacity to create problems.”
Having seen the Saints well beaten 3-0 on his Anfield return earlier in the season, the Argentinian coach is hoping for a better show this time around.
“For sure it is special for me to be in Southampton and playing against this team, of the biggest clubs, not only in the Premier League, but in the world,” he said.
“To play one game well like the other day (at West Brom), that is important, but more so to be consistent in every single game. We always have to improve in some respects.”