Ralph Hasenhuttl insists top-half finish would be crucial for Southampton future

Eleventh-placed Saints return to action at Leeds sitting just a point off ninth position but on the back of three successive top-flight defeats.

Ed Elliot
Thursday 31 March 2022 13:39 BST
Comments
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side face Leeds next (David Davies/PA)
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side face Leeds next (David Davies/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ralph Hasenhuttl believes securing a top-half Premier League finish could be crucial to Southampton’s summer recruitment plans and his players’ international aspirations.

Eleventh-placed Saints return to action at Leeds on Saturday sitting just a point off ninth position but on the back of three successive top-flight defeats.

Hasenhuttl feels having three players – Fraser Forster, Kyle Walker-Peters and James Ward-Prowse – on England duty during the past fortnight epitomises the club’s progress this season.

Yet the Austrian is eager to ensure the recent dip in form does not become a prolonged slump as he bids to prevent a strong campaign fizzling out in the final nine fixtures.

Asked how he can stop that happening, the Saints boss replied: “In the way that we try to focus on these nine games that they are for us very crucial for our future because I think it makes a big difference if you end up in a top-10 position leading to our transfer window in the summer.

“In this position, I think it gives you more opportunities as a club and for the players also to put themselves in the window for international caps.”

With the Qatar World Cup on the horizon, Southampton’s England contingent will be keen to keep impressing national team boss Gareth Southgate.

Right-back Walker-Peters won his first two caps in wins over Switzerland and Ivory Coast, while Saints captain Ward-Prowse started the latter of those two games and goalkeeper Forster was an unused substitute in both.

Southampton last had a trio of players in the Three Lions set-up in 2014 when Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert travelled to the World Cup in Brazil.

“It’s not a coincidence that it was the first time I think in the history of Southampton Football Club that there are three players in the English international team from Southampton – or at least it does not happen very often,” continued Hasenhuttl.

“But this is a signal and you see what with good performances you can achieve, even if you are playing with us, and this is good to watch.

“We had this week a lot of players out in the international games and they did a good job.

“Some qualified for the World Cup, like (Poland defender) Jan Bednarek and this is very important for the players.”

Hasenhuttl is still awaiting fitness updates on his returning internationals ahead of the trip to Elland Road.

Keeper Alex McCarthy is back in light training following a long-term hamstring problem, while midfielders Will Smallbone and Oriol Romeu have overcome coronavirus and a stomach issue respectively and winger Nathan Tella has recovered from a groin injury.

Brazilian defender Lyanco (hamstring) remains sidelined.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in