Pompey play better under pressure - Mousinho

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho says his side have played "better under pressure" this season.

He was speaking ahead of a crucial clash with Derby County in the battle to avoid relegation from the Championship.

Pompey were 10 points clear of the drop zone after a 1-0 win over Leeds United a month ago, but a run of four defeats in their past five games has seen the gap cut to just three points.

Meanwhile, the Rams are 21st and would move above Portsmouth on goal difference if they win at Fratton Park on Saturday (15:00 BST).

"I feel like we've played better when we're under a bit of pressure," Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent.

"When we've had a bit of a better buffer or more of a gap to the bottom three, that's been the time when I think we've not been able to actually produce the result and the performances we should have.

"I think we're a better side under pressure, so I'm welcoming it for this weekend."

Despite suffering defeat in stoppage time at Coventry on Wednesday night, Mousinho says every player should be "relishing" the challenge against Derby.

"We get to play a home game at Fratton Park at the back end of the season with our league destiny in our own hands," he added.

"I think that's an amazing thing to be part of, so I think the lads will be positive and excited about playing the game."