Saints’ new boss up for the fight

– New Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuettl is making no promises that he can steer the south coast club away from the Premier League’s relegation zone but says he is relishing the challenge.

“If you want guarantees, you have to buy a washing machine,” the Austrian told reporters this week.

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 Wednesday when Hasenhuettl watched from the stands.

Despite creating many opportunities at Wembley, Southampton’s defending once again let them down and the former RB Leipzig coach, who replaced Mark Hughes this week, identified that as his first priority ahead of today’s trip to fellow strugglers Cardiff City.

“It is tough but I am not frightened,” Hasenhuettl said. “The first target is to get out of the relegation zone.” –