Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand has hailed Mark Hughes’ influence on the team following the 1-0 win away at Swansea on Tuesday night.
The Saints knew that nothing less than a win would do when they travelled to the Liberty Stadium in midweek and came up with the goods, as Manolo Gabbiadini all but secured the club’s Premier League status ahead of next season.
Bertrand sat down with Sky Sports News on Thursday and reflected on the win, praising Hughes’ influence on the squad following his arrival in March.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with him. It was a short period, he came in and has done what he had to do in such a short time. But what he did, the players really bought into.
He gave us a lot of confidence, clear game-plans and he didn’t settle for anything less than 100% throughout the week, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with him.
The Welshman was appointed following the dismissal of Mauricio Pellegrino and arrived with the club in a massively precarious position.
After a difficult start to life in his new role, Hughes has led Saints to two wins and a draw in their last three Premier League outings, more or less ensuring that they will remain in the top flight next season.
Southampton will discuss Hughes’ future at the club next week, with the former Stoke boss set to be rewarded with a new contract at St Mary’s.
