I’ve never had so much support... we don’t deserve it
FANS RALLY FOR RALPH AFTER 9-0 ROUT
RALPH HASENHUTTL has thanked Southampton fans for backing him after the 9-0 thrashing by Manchester United, saying: “Don’t worry about me resigning – the opposite is true.”
The manager was blown away by messages from the Saints faithful, which terminated any inclination to offer his resignation at the outset.
And he was boosted further by Jan Bednarek’s red card at Old Trafford being rescinded yesterday, noting: “It was the only possible decision.”
Hasenhuttl suffered another nine-goal defeat at home to Leicester 16 months earlier, but the outpouring of support made him feel “emotional” after four consecutive league losses.
He said: “Because of this result I received unbelievable messages from fans that definitely had a big impact in lifting me and the players. I want to say a big, big thank you. We didn’t deserve such a big lift because we didn’t do a good job at all.
“We are a bit shocked about the early red card from a young player who was a little bit over-motivated. He also apologised today in front of the team. But the support I have seen today from the outside... I have never had so much in my managing career and I don’t want to resign after this game. The opposite is definitely true. I know I am at the right club.”
Saints were already down to 10 men after the early sending off of debutant Alexandre Jankewitz, 19, by Mike Dean and were trailing 6-0 when Anthony Martial went down under minimal contact from Bednarek.
Southampton have asked the Premier League not to assign any of their future matches to Dean and after the news that the card had been rescinded, Hasenhuttl said: “It is a pity this decision was not made during the game. Maybe the result, the drama wouldn’t be like it has to be.”
On-loan Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino is in the squad for tomorrow’s trip to Newcastle, and Hasenhuttl added: “We have a fantastic new player. He showed in the first training session he can help us.”