Southampton boss Ruben Selles admits it's tough for his players after their 4-3 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
Saints put up a good fight, but Forest were always in control on the night.
Selles later said: "It is difficult. We came here with a clear and solid plan of how to do it and dominated the first part of the game and then I think in three minutes we gave two goals away.
"It is hard to come back but the boys gave everything they had and came back with a goal. Every time we came back and were close there was a goal against. We gave all we had but it was not enough for a result today.
"Tonight we were ready to come and win the game and for one reason or another some details went against us so that is a little bit painful because just correcting those things, we can have more points and be in a better position."
He added: "The challenge was there for us. We had enough games to change the situation, get more points and get out of the relegation [zone]. Let's not make excuses, I am as responsible as anyone here and I thought I'd be able to win more matches. It has been a hard task. We've been competitive but not found the results we needed."