MARK ’N SPARKS!
Boss scores with Pierre
PIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG says he’s getting good vibes from new Southampton boss Mark Hughes.
Sparky started his reign by leading the Premier League strugglers to an FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea next month thanks to a 2-0 win at League One Wigan.
And opening goalscorer Hojbjerg, 22, said the initial signs look good.
Desire
“I think I speak on everyone’s behalf when I say it’s been positive and the new manager has given energy and good vibes, a new fresh start,” he said.
“He worked a lot on intensity and the discipline and desire to take the extra metres.
“We have a really good team, some really good players, and maybe this is the perfect fit. It is a good start.”
Defender Ryan Bertrand believes Hughes will save their Premier League status too. Saints, who are 18th, visit fellow strugglers West Ham a week on Saturday but Bertrand reckons the Welshman has got what it takes to keep them up.
“My initial impressions have been very good,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to playing the remainder of the season with him. He’s been there and done it.
“Even as a player, he’s vastly experienced and whatever he can share with us, we hope we can use and do what we need to do.”
Hughes opted to bin the 4-2-3-1 set-up preferred by his sacked predecessor Mauricio Pellegrino and play two strikers instead in Manolo Gabbiadini and Guido Carrillo on Sunday.
“We’ve just been working on the basics,” added Bertrand.
“Just refining the basics and upping our levels, our intensity and our attitude towards the game.”