Rusk makes dignity claim ahead of Southampton vs Manchester City

Southampton have collected just 11 points this season and still need one more from their last three matches to avoid matching the worst ever Premier League total.

That looks a tall order with Saturday’s visit of Manchester City followed by a trip to Merseyside for Everton’s last competitive fixture at Goodison Park.

Saints then round out the season with a home game against Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal.

“What we are facing (on Saturday) is the greatest team and greatest manager for nine or 10 years now,” Rusk said when previewing the visit of Manchester City. 

Simon Rusk in the dugout against Leicester City. (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

READ: Every word Rusk said on Fernandes, returning loan players and Manchester City

“By their standards, they’ll be disappointed that they haven’t been in and around the title, but when you look at their capabilities, you know we are going to be tested.

“It’s important we don’t move into fear territory in these games, and instead we put our best foot forward.

“We want to finish the season on a high and build momentum. (It’s a chance) to end the season with as much dignity as possible.”

Saints fans were furious with last week’s 2-0 loss at fellow relegated side Leicester, and Rusk has told the players to “lick their wounds” before facing Pep Guardiola’s former Premier League champions.

Saints lost 2-0 at Leicester City last weekend (Image: PA) READ: Former Saints defender named in League One team of the season

“When you get a bad result like that, there’s a lot of work that feels undone, and so we have to do the work again,” he added.

“We can’t be victims and feel sorry for ourselves. My message to the players was that all we can do is take care of our actions.

“There are lots of reasons as to why you arrive at a starting XI, but what I did say to the players was, ‘Be at it’.”