Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants 'role models' Southampton's scalp

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes Cardiff City can begin their "miracle" escape from relegation by beating "role models" Southampton.

The Saints replaced Nigel Adkins with Mauricio Pochettino in January, 2013 then survived in the Premier League.

Solskjaer replaced controversially-sacked Malky Mackay in December, 2013 and the Norwegian sees similarities between Saturday's rivals at St Mary's.

"When I came three months ago I used them as a role model," said Solskjaer.

The Norwegian says Argentine Pochettino has created a football style to be admired and one he would like the Bluebirds to emulate.

"He's come in in the middle of the season and the way Pochettino has made his team play football is fantastic to watch.

"That's a great challenge for us now, to try to stop them doing that.

"But we can look at them and take inspiration because they're playing a kind of football I'd really, really like to see [from Cardiff]."

But the Cardiff manager's priority is to help them avoid relegation at the end of their first season in the Premier League.

The Bluebirds have picked up only five points from the last 27 available and lie second from bottom with five games remaining - and with six points separating them from fourth-from bottom Norwich City.

Cardiff lost 3-0 against Crystal Palace last weekend, leading to allegations that the Bluebirds' team had been leaked to Palace.

In the wake of that loss Solskjaer said his side would need a miracle to stay up.

He does not regret that statement and says Cardiff's players believe they can achieve that aim.

"They do believe in miracles... you've got to get a response, a 100% effort from everyone.

"You've got to believe in it and these lads have shown this week we do go there [Southampton] with a fight and a belief that we can get something.

"I am up for a fight, that's for sure.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with the atmosphere. We have had a very good week again.

"They are a great bunch of lads - absolutely no problem - and they have picked themselves up from the hurt of what happened last week."