8:15am Tuesday 23rd December 2008
By Adam Leitch
JAN Poortvliet says he would be “stupid" if he let the pressure of Saints’ current situation affect him.
The head coach insists he is under NO more pressure with Saints just a point above the relegation zone than he has been at any stage during the season.
Poortvliet is just trying to keep a clear head following the demoralising 2-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest at St Mary’s ahead of a crucial Christmas double header against Plymouth and Reading.
He said: “You feel the pressure the whole year and nothing changes with that.
“We have a young squad but there is always pressure – people don’t look at how it is or how you play but for results, and for the moment the results are not there.
“I put myself every game under pressure because we want to win the game and it doesn’t change. I would be stupid if I did because I need to give everything to put them in a better shape.
“The only thing I need to think about is winning against Plymouth and Reading.”
Poortvliet admits he has to look hard to make sure the team he selects for the Boxing Day game at Plymouth is ready mentally as well as physically.
See today's Daily Echo for the full story
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