Mauricio Pellegrino has confessed that he considers himself fortunate to have the "full backing" of Southampton's board, despite going nine games without a win.

The 46-year-old, who joined the Saints from Alaves during the summer, was given a vote of confidence by chairman Ralph Krueger this week.

Krueger's backing comes at a pivotal point in the season as Southampton, level on points with the Premier League's bottom three, are expected to bring in a few new players during the January transfer window.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon, Pellegrino claimed that he has the ability to turn around Southampton's faltering campaign.

"I am a lucky guy because these people trust in me and because I am in a really good club," he said. "This situation, I feel, is a big opportunity because we are working in the base of the squad and to be stronger from this difficult moment.

"Sometimes you are stronger when you past this period of time. I want to try and make the people proud of the team but now everybody has to be supportive."

Southampton put league matters to one side this weekend as they head to Fulham in the third round of the FA Cup.