John Mousinho says ‘no need to panic’ in Portsmouth’s relegation battle

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho insists there is “no need to panic” despite his side falling deeper into the relegation battle with a 1-0 defeat to Derby.

Sam Szmodics’ 100th league goal left Pompey one point above the drop zone with four Fratton Park losses in a row and just one point from the last 15 available.

“There is no need to panic, but at the moment we need to show a sense of urgency,” said Mousinho.

“One point in five games but we are out of the relegation zone with a game in hand. It is not terminal, we just have to find a way to win at the weekend.

“We have some huge games coming up. Something has to change and the main thing is putting the ball in the back of the net.

“Confidence could be low but I don’t see that. We are doing the hard bits but I’m not sure why scoring is deserting us.

“Relegation is a worry shared between the fans and us. The message is to stick with us.”

Portsmouth had a season-high 27 shots but failed to score, or truly test County’s third-choice goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell.

Mousinho’s side have only netted three times in their last five matches and the head coach said: “It is a sense of deja vu from a couple of recent games.

“I thought we controlled the game and got into some really good areas and we’re going to look back on a lack of quality.

“We weren’t quite there and maybe when we did get the ball in the box we kicked it into the keeper’s hands or out for a goal-kick. Our night was pretty frustrating.

“I have to solve it. We have that quality across the front line but it isn’t quite clicking.”

On the other hand, Derby are in hot pursuit of the play-off places, with only three points separating them from Wrexham in sixth.

Szmodics’ eighth-minute strike – having thrashed in after a corner – was enough for the Rams at Fratton Park, despite also hitting the woodwork twice.

John Eustace, who served a touchline ban, said: “We fight for everything and sometimes it isn’t pretty. You have to find a way to win.

“To come here on a Monday in tricky conditions and know what is coming from Portsmouth… to stand up to that and always look a threat on the turnover, I couldn’t ask for any more effort from the boys.

“There are eight games to go and we are eighth. It is important to take each game as it comes. It is about building and growing as a club.

“I want to try and help this football get back to where it should be.

“We aren’t worried about any other team, it is only about us and what we can control.”