Hodgson won't consider total
19 Mar 2008 - 14:09:34
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- Hodgson won't consider total
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson claims he is so focused on each upcoming game that he has not considered how many points will be required to avoid relegation.
The Cottagers boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 victory over Everton at Craven Cottage last weekend.
Fulham are now just four points adrift of safety having amassed 23 during a difficult campaign, but Hodgson is refusing to look beyond the next game as he attempts to pull off the great escape.
"My mind is so focused on the survival challenge that I decided I will focus very much on every single game - work very hard with the players and not let my mind wander to how many points we need," he told the club's official website.
"That would affect the individual preparation for the game.
"West Ham, credit to them, did a fantastic job last year, we just have to try and emulate it.
"Every game for us is going to be tough to try and win because we haven't won enough games and the statistics don't lie.
"The reason we're at the bottom is because we haven't won enough games."
However, Hodgson believes the Cottagers will avoid relegation ahead of what promises to be a nervy final eight games of the season.
"I believe the players are up for it and capable," he added.
"I'm hoping in these last games of the season we'll show that we are a bona-fide Premier League team with the mettle, the character and the quality to stay up and I've got to hope the results will follow.
"Firstly, the performances have got to be there and then we've got to hope those performances bring results."