Mauricio Pochettino says his Southampton players are mentally prepared for their clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Southampton can mathematically secure their place in the Premier League next season with a win against Paolo Di Canio's men, who also need a win to stave off relegation fears.
As well as helping Southampton move away from the relegation spots, Pochettino is also keen to try and finish as high up the table as possible and says his side are in good mood ahead of the game.
Speaking about the players' mood following their last gasp 1-0 defeat to Tottenham last week, the Argentine told the club's official website his squad has "reacted well".
"They’re aware that they performed a lot better than in the game against West Brom, and we’ve trained well, prepared well for the game ahead against Sunderland, so now we’re in the right state of mind mentally to play this weekend.
"I think it’s equally important for both teams, but both teams will be equally prepared for a big battle, and we’re very much aware that a victory for us would put us a couple of positions higher in the table so that’s what we want."
Speaking about his opposite number Paolo Di Canio, Pochettino said he had been impressed with the way the Italian has taken to life in the Premier League.
"He’s doing an amazing job," Pochettino said.
"He has been able to transmit his character onto the team and, as with all colleagues we want to wish him the best, after the game on Sunday though, of course.
"Our obligation is to win our next game and that’s what it will be against Sunderland because in football, you can never be too relaxed."
Pochettino has doubts over Emmanuel Mayuka, who has been granted compassionate leave, as well as Morgan Schneiderlin and Maya Yoshida.
