Hasenhuettl promises to have Saints flops in a spin

RALPH HASENHUETTL says if you want guarantees buy a washing machine.

Southampton’s players might feel like they’ve been in a spin during their first few weeks of the Austrian’s programme.

There was no shortage of quips and soundbites from the new Saints boss (left) during his impressive, confident unveiling yesterday.

But behind the smile that regularly lit up his face is a determined taskmaster who is not “frightened” of the tough task ahead, and has some “mind-blowing” work lined up for his third-bottom underachievers. Hasenhuettl, who held an introductory 10-minute meeting with squad and staff following his unveiling, said: “They can expect it will be demanding. After Cardiff, we have a lot of time to work with the tactical basics, but also with their mind.

“We will have a lot of video sessions and it will get mind-blowing for the guys.

“I want to bring them to their limits. If they like to go this way with us they are invited. If someone says it is too much running or work for me, they will fall very quickly beside us.”

Hasenhuettl seems like exactly the sort of character Southampton need to breathe life back into the club.

Mark Hughes’ successor said: “You can expect a passionate kind of football, with 11 characters on the field who know exactly what they have to show the crowd.

“Even if we don’t win, I am 100 per cent sure they will help us and appreciate what they have seen.

“I know there are no guarantees of winning in football. The only thing we have is to work on chances. If you want guarantees, buy a washing machine.”

With his attacking, highintensity, pressing football, Hasenhuettl has earned comparisons with Jurgen Klopp and the nickname “Alpen Kloppen” (Klopp from the Alps).

But he said: “I want to be my own character.” And he was keen to correct Klopp, with whom he studied for his pro licence, after the Liverpool boss claimed that only the first part of his name meant something.

“His English is maybe better than his German now,” Hasenhuettl laughed. “He knows what ‘Hasen’ means –