Maya Yoshida has spoken of how he feels that the side are just a win short of safety but with a new found confidence they are looking for much more than just that.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Newcastle, Yoshida one of Saints longest serving player's has spoken of how things have changed in recent months and of the confidence surging through the squad under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

“People are saying we are already safe, but I don’t think so,”

“We have to concentrate until the end. Our target is 40 points and if we win the next game then I’d probably say we are safe.

“They [Newcastle] are already safe but if you look back at our last few games, we are a much better team now.

“Our confidence means that we feel we can win more games and we still have five left where we will try to evolve.”

He added: “We have put the effort in for every single game and the manager has had the plan for every game to try to prepare us.

“On the pitch, we are putting a lot of effort in and we are defensively solid and have scored a couple of goals.

“That’s why we are here now, it’s not magic. If we stop doing that kind of thing, then we will stop winning.”

The last three home games against Spurs, Liverpool and Wolves have seen the ground at maximum capacity and a distinct change in attitude amongst the supporters with a level of happiness and optimism that has not been seen since the final games of Ronald Koeman's time at the club three years ago as the club stormed to sixth place.

Yoshida admitted that he has noticed a difference at St Mary’s in recent weeks, which he claims is driving the team forward.

“I feel that the fans have brought back an atmosphere.

“St Mary’s has been sold out for the last two games and that is a great sign that we are playing well, and they are enjoying it.

“An atmosphere in the stadium really helps us and it has helped us in the last couple of games a lot.

“The fans can probably see that we are playing different football and I can see the fans have a different feeling.”

Photo: Action Images

SaintBrock added 18:18 - Apr 18 This boy has red & white blood in his veins now, can see him her for many years to come in one capacity or another, Oh! I've said that before, sorry.
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underweststand added 05:47 - Apr 19 Is this a change of heart Nick? Be honest - for some years past it has been difficult for you to write anything really positive about Maya, although many of us don't always share your opinion. YES - it's true he was held responsible for mistakes in some games , but in his defence one might argue that there have been others who did likewise - and worse. (e.g. Hoedt and Stephens ). He was often asked to play as emergemcy right back in a role that wasn't natural to him and It was hard to carve out a career when the likes of Jose Fonte PLUS a number of other CB's (Lovren, Alderweireld, VvD ) played at the top of their game and were outstanding by any measure. That was tough for a man who has been a regular for his national side for 8 years (currently 90+ caps) and is currently captain. Despite that - I've always seen Maya as a 100% loyal, hard-working player who contented himself with a place in the squad and didn't throw his toys out of the pram if he was overlooked. He belongs to the group of unsung heroes who over the decades have DAJFU to the best of their ability without getting credit for their loyalty and dedication. (Rant over).

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SanMarco added 10:11 - Apr 19 The thing with Yoshi is that I agree with all the positive comments AND all the negative ones too. He is what he is. As for the logic of his comments - if Newcastle are 'already safe' on 38 then we just need two draws. To get to more than 37 Cardiff will have to take something from Liverpool or away at Manure (and win their other two which is no formality). Also it is difficult to see Brighton getting more than 37 the way they are 'doing a Swansea'. I would be delighted with a draw tomorrow. We would then at most need 1 point from four matches that are hardly the most difficult we could have. Let's face it we are very nearly safe!!

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highfield49 added 10:40 - Apr 19 The fact is every player makes mistakes otherwise every game should finish 0-0? As supporters we forgive the majority of errors and, for example, rightly say that Redmond's two goals at the weekend were great finishes and not the result of poor defending. The other side of the coin is that fundamental errrors like ball watching, under or over hit passes and poor marking are equally memorable. Yoshi always gives his best but we tend to forget the goal saving interceptions and tackles when they are overshadowed by unforced errors. Love his attitude but will never be on my list of legends.

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darthvader added 13:34 - Apr 20 He will be on my list today as have a couple of score cast bets with him on.
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