Saints boss to stabilise defence
FOOTBALL: New Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuettl is making no promises that he can steer the club away from the English Premier League’s relegation zone but he’s relishing the challenge.
“If you want guarantees, you have to buy a washing machine,” the Austrian said. “Not in football.” Southampton have won only once in their opening 15 Premier League games and are in 18th place after a 3-1 loss at Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday when Hasenhuettl watched from the stands.
Despite creating many opportunities at Wembley, Southampton’s defence once again let them down and the former RB Leipzig coach, who replaced Mark Hughes this week, identified that as his first priority as he looked forward to tonight’s trip to fellow strugglers Cardiff City.
“It is tough but I am not frightened,” Hasenhuettl said.
“My goal is to develop the players as quickly as possible. It is about getting the defence stabilised quickly. The first target is to get out of the relegation zone.
“The focus for the near future has to be move as quickly as you can up the table.”
Southampton also face Arsenal, Huddersfield Town, West Ham United and Manchester City later this month before taking on Chelsea in their first match of the new year –a tough opening.
Hasenhuettl, however, is confident he can instil his highintensity style at Southampton and start picking up points.
“It is a results business and we have to get them as soon as possible,” he said.