Ki Sung-yueng 'The Pressure Is Off!'

Last updated : 18 April 2019 By Footy Mad - Editor

Ki Sung-yueng feels that Newcastle United can approach their clash with Southampton with "less anxiety" after effectively sealing survival in the Premier League last weekend.

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With 38 points in the bag for United now, Cardiff City still need a miracle to overtake Rafa Benitez's side and can they can officially confirm their spot in the top-flight with a win over Southampton.

Newcastle face the Saints on Saturday night (5.30) while Cardiff face a huge home game with title contenders Liverpool on Easter Sunday.

Looking ahead to the encounter with Southampton, Ki told the Chronicle: "Maybe we can play with less anxiety.

"It doesn't mean we will sit back and relax.

"We can play with more freedom and enjoy it more.

"It means we can create more chances.

"When you are under pressure you sometimes struggle to score goals.

"We can look to keep the ball more and play better football against Southampton."

The Newcastle players will be hoping for another rip-roaring atmosphere at St James' Park this weekend.

Indeed, the squad could still hear the United faithful singing from the dressing rooms at the King Power Stadium as the Toon Army celebrated staying up.

Ki knows that night was significant and said: "The fans are amazing.

"They went to Leicester and stayed after the final whistle.

"The passion and support never surprises me as they are brilliant.

What next for Rafa Benitez and Newcastle?

The club remains up for sale despite the recent collapse of Peter Kenyon's proposed consortium. But club sources have suggested that Mike Ashley is planning for the future - despite the club remaining on the market.

"I think the boys said before the game it could be job done if we won.

"We knew it would be difficult at Leicester as they won the last four games.

"But we were disciplined and we spoke about the need for three points and that if we got them it will probably be enough to stay in the Premier League.

"The desire is there for more points.

"We can say we are staying in the Premier League but we still have four games to go.

"There are some games we can still win and move further forward.

"We want to finish higher up the table than this."

The win over the Foxes also gave United plenty of confidence after losing against Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

Those defeats threw United back into the dogfight but the win over Leicester seemed very significant - not least as the players celebrated in unity at the final whistle.

The former Swansea City star said: "Most people expected to beat Leicester as they have done very well.

"That performance signifies us as a team.

"OK, they had more possession but we had as many shots and we won.

"It means everybody is working very hard."