Romain Perraud
ROMAIN Perraud has declared “we are behind” manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and it is players who create performances, following chants aimed at the Austrian last weekend.
Romain Perraud said: “The last game was not good. We were expecting to have more because we have shown more during the season. To be honest, I was on the pitch so I didn’t hear the chants or songs. But for me, like I said, performances come from players. We have to do more, we are behind the gaffer, definitely. Sometimes, for example at Brentford, it is hard because we played well during the first-half but then took two goals. We are not in a good period and we have two games to show the difference between the last game. It is a bit disappointing at the moment, we play Tuesday against the best team in the world and I think it is the best game to show an answer for our fans and for everybody who supports us. We have to give a big look against Liverpool. Maybe we need a win. It is simple, but we need a win. We play against maybe the best team in the world, but it is maybe the best game to show what team we are. During the season we have shown against big teams, great results, like Man City at home and away, United the same, Tottenham, Arsenal at home, so to be honest I am confident about our mindset and our fighting spirit against Liverpool on Tuesday, because we will be ready for this big game.”
Saints play their final home game of the season midweek on Tuesday, May 17, when EFL Cup and potentially FA Cup champions Liverpool visit. The Reds, who are still in the running for the Premier League title and have reached the Champions League final, face Chelsea for the coveted FA Cup on Saturday. Perraud, who has 20 Premier League games under his belt, could face an individual battle with FWA player of the year Mohamed Salah – but says there is no pressure on Saints.
Romain Perraud added: “Exactly. Mo Salah is one of the best players in the world and in the Premier League. It’s a big challenge for me, for us. I think we have no pressure for this game, because Leeds lost against Chelsea two days ago so we will be in the Premier League normally for next season.”
Jesse Marsch’s side would require an 18 goal swing and to win both of their remaining matches, without Saints picking up a point, to catch the St Mary’s outfit.
Romain Perraud admitted: “You know it was not official. Before Leeds and Chelsea, imagine if Leeds won against Chelsea, we would prepare the game against Liverpool differently. So this is why we look at these last two games, last season the team had 43 points at the end of the season, so we have a big challenge to beat this objective this year. You know, Liverpool have to win absolutely to win the title so our last game at home we just have to enjoy. To enjoy the moment, give everything for the fans, St Mary’s will be full so in front of our fans and family we just have to play football. This is the key.”
