RALPH Hasenhuttl vowed Saints would show their bravery during Saturday’s daunting trip to Manchester City and insisted: “We are not scared.”

The Saints manager has come under fire from a section of fans following three straight defeats coming against Wolves, Aston Villa and Everton.

But speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Pep Guardiola’s Citizens, Hasenhuttl was asked to issue a message to those supporters who had become frustrated with results.

He said: “The message is a very, very clear one. We have had three very tight games – the last three we lost with one goal difference.

“Especially in the last one, we had a much higher chance of winning than the opponent but we didn’t do it and this is what we have to learn.

“We see that the progress is there but the Premier League is tough, we know this. We are going there and you can be sure that we are not scared when we go to Man City.

“This face we want to see and we want to show a brave team. Finally, hopefully a successful one.”

Saints are currently 16th in the top flight, with seven points coming from their opening eight league fixtures. City are second in the division and are yet to lose a league encounter.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook