Sadio Mane has said that he is "confident" that Southampton can maintain the quick start they have made in the Premier League this season.
Despite losing a number of regular first-team players during this summer's transfer window, Southampton are second in the table after 11 matches, just four points behind leaders Chelsea.
The midfielder told FIFA.com: "I hope and I am confident that we can hold this pace and level of playing football.
"Obviously, in the Premier League there are always the three, four or five big teams which can be found at the top of the table, but I am glad that so far, there are some teams up there that could be called a little surprise, including us.
"However, we have to stay realistic. It will be hard to remain where we are today. We will give our best to defend this place, and I have no doubt we have the potential and will."
Mane joined Southampton from Red Bull Salzburg over the summer.
