Ralph Hasenhuttl hails ‘unbelievable’ Southampton turnaround after 11th-place finish

Saints’ decision to stick by their boss vindicated

Ralph Hasenhuttl spoke with immense pride about Southampton‘s “unbelievable” turnaround after Che Adams’ brace against former club Sheffield United saw them end the season in style.

Understandably tipped for relegation following October’s 9-0 St Mary’s shellacking at the hands of Leicester, Saints have reaped the benefits of sticking with their Austrian manager and his principles.

Saints have lost just once since play resumed after the coronavirus suspension and ended the season in 11th thanks to Sunday’s 3-1 win against the Blades.

Having seen John Lundstram put the visitors ahead, Adams’ second-half brace turned things around before Danny Ings wrapped up victory from the penalty spot.

“It’s not only hope but also a confidence that what we are doing is the right thing, especially with the ball,” Hasenhuttl said. “I saw today a team who was really patient and waiting for the right moment.

“The second half was a fantastic performance against deep defending. We deserved to win 3-1. It can even be higher normally. It’s not easy to create that many chances against such a good defence. I don’t think they conceded a lot of goals this season, so with the ball it was one of our best performances this season. It’s amazing, especially after lockdown. What we did was unbelievable.

“The way we play in the moment means it’s not a coincidence we are winning games. We are very strong and if we keep working like this and come back fitter after the break... and you can see the team is learning quick.

“Wins give you self-confidence, but we must also play like this when we have pressure. The players are really enjoying it.”

Hasenhuttl was not willing to talk about the future of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg after omitting the former captain from his matchday squad, but the Saints boss was far more forthcoming about improving Adams.

“It was absolutely important for him to score now after the break,” Hasenhuttl said of the forward. We always knew that he could help us in the future. It seems he gets more and more adapted to our game.”

PA