SAINTS HAVE BASIC INSTINCT

RYAN BERTRAND claims Mark Hughes has made an instant impact at Southampton with his back-tobasics approach.

Saints battled to the FA Cup semifinal in their first game under their new boss and left-back Bertrand has already spotted a change in attitude among the players since the former Stoke chief (below) replaced Mauricio Pellegrino

“We’ve just been working on the basics in our first couple of days with him,” said the Saints skipper.

“Just refining the basics and upping our levels, our intensity and our attitude towards the game.”

Bertrand says the players are impressed by the new manager’s achievements as a player and boss. “He’s been there and done it,” said the England left-back. “As a player, he’s vastly experienced and whatever he can share with us we can benefit from. My initial impressions are very good. I’m looking forward to playing the remainder of the season with him.”