RALPH MISSES CHANCE TO BE ROCK STAR

Southampton v

Crystal Palace

Premier League, 8.15pm

BY TONY BANKS

THE mountaineer meets the hermit on the slippery slopes of the Premier League at St Mary’s. Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (left) admits he is missing the Austrian Alps, where he loves to go climbing the canyon walls. Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson claims he has been living like a hermit. Hasenhuttl, 53, has been unable to see his sons and parents for almost a year due to travel problems.

He and wife Sandra keep in touch with sons Patrick and Philip via frequent Zoom calls.

But he said:

“Coming from the mountains, you miss them – and the family. I am here with my wife in England.

“We have the internet, so you can see and speak with the boys – but a cuddle would be nice – and seeing your parents. We cannot go home because when we go back we have to be two weeks in quarantine.” Hasenhuttl, whose Southampton team have been flirting with relegation, could have top scorer Danny Ings available tonight. He said: “I have the highest possible respect for Roy. “A wonderful person, unbelievable manager.

“A role model for how long you can do this job.” Hodgson, (above), 73, who is refusing to reveal his future plans at Palace, said: “It’s mutual respect. I have a lot of respect for Ralph and the job he has done.

“I live a hermit-like existence. Our son lives abroad and we see him as much as we can.

“My wife Sheila and I live a pretty quiet life.

“There are so many people at the club who have had a much harder time.

“It’s been very tough specifically for the foreign players who have not had a chance to see their families.”