FIVE-POINT PLAN

1 IMPROVE AT HOME

Saints had the third- best away record in the Premier League last season, with 31 points on the road representing their highest top- flight haul, but only Norwich were worse on home soil. St Mary’s offered up 21 goals and 21 points in its 19 fixtures, although July’s home wins over Manchester City and Sheffield United offer hope.

2 SORT OUT THE DEFENCE

Southampton have struggled in central defence since Virgil van Dijk’s world- record exit. Poland international Jan Bednarek has made strides, as has Jack Stephens, but there are defensive issues to iron out, and while there is excitement about 21- year- old arrival Mohammed Salisu, that’s primarily potential – he made his top- flight debut only a year ago.

3 LEARN HOW TO UNPICK TEAMS WHO PLAY DEEP

They have become a thrilling, high- pressing unit under Hasenhuttl, giving sides precious little rest and thinking time, but Saints have yet to find an effective way to break down teams that sit back, particularly at St Mary’s. Improved output from wide areas could help to overcome this, along with more probing questions from the team’s creative forces.

4 ADD TO INGS’ GOALS

Danny Ings’ 22- goal haul represented 43 per cent of Saints’ Premier League tally in 2019- 20. His incredible strike rate put him back in the England reckoning and agonisingly close to winning the Golden Boot. But while the midfield chipped in with goals, his fellow forwards need to do much more. Che Adams ended the season well, yet there were just nine league goals across the season between him, Michael Obafemi and Shane Long.

5 BACK THE KIDS

There are few better production lines in English football than Southampton’s, and Hasenhuttl is looking to keep pathways clear for homegrown players. Impressive 20- year- old midfielder Will Smallbone looks set for a larger role this season, while there are also high hopes for talented left- back Jake Vokins, 20, and 18- year- old Switzerland youth international Alex Jankewitz.