Maya Yoshida urges Southampton to stay positive after tough run: 'We need to show our character and stand up'

• e-mail

Southampton players must stay positive and help each other to improve after a difficult spell in the Premier League, according to defender Maya Yoshida.

Southampton have collected 18 points from as many league games having won only one of their last nine matches to sit 12th in the table, but Yoshida believes unity rather than criticism will revive their campaign.

'Don't bring any negativity, stay positive and help each other before we start pointing at each other - that's the way,' the Japan international told The Daily Echo.

Southampton defender Maya Yoshida (right) challenges Chelsea's Alvaro Morata on Saturday

'It's a difficult situation which we haven't had in the last couple of years. It's like life, life isn't always a good time.

'At this time we need to show our character and we have to stand up.'

Southampton have recorded two draws and as many narrow defeats in four of their last five league games and the 29-year-old said a little extra effort from each player could help the team to end their dismal run.

'It's all the small details but it costs a lot,' Yoshida added. 'If we put an extra 10 per cent on each other then I think we will get good results - that I believe.'

The Saints were thumped 4-1 by Leicester followed by a 1-0 loss at Chelsea last week and Yoshida has backed his team-mates to get a morale-boosting win in Saturday's game against Huddersfield.

Southampton's Manolo Gabbiadini, James Ward-Prowse and Wesley Hoedt (L-R) look dejected

'I think in this situation for us every single game is important and massive,' Yoshida said. 

'We have to get back on track as soon as possible and that means we have to get three points.

'Especially, still, there's huge disappointment after Leicester and we come back to home and we need to show a good spirit, as we did at Stamford Bridge.'