Four senior Southampton players have already been shown the door during the January transfer window. From a neutral perspective, it may seem like the typical exodus is occurring at St Mary’s Stadium, but the reality is far different.
Ralph Hasenhuttl made a fantastic first impression on the club’s supporters, but more pleasing has been the lasting impression that the Austrian has already left.
Albeit just less than two months into his reign at the club, the first-team manager has been a breath of fresh air and has performed what appeared to have been a thankless task in bringing a group of players from their knees back up to their feet.
Hasenhuttl has reinvigorated the squad and has given the club’s supporters something to smile about after a painstakingly underwhelming 18 months under both Mauricio Pellegrino and Mark Hughes respectively.
Throughout his managerial career thus far, the 51-year-old has established a reputation for emphasising collective effort, high intensity and aggressive football from his players.
Despite managing the financially-blessed RB Leipzig, Hasenhuttl opted chiefly to demonstrate his excellent ability as a coach. He is by no means a chequebook manager and has improved the vast bulk of players he has focused on and utilised.
At Southampton, it seems the Austrian is looking to replicate his success, working within limitations to help a lower-standard of club punch above their weight once again.
It seems rather pertinent that the Saints’ ownership is unwilling to invest significant amounts into the playing squad any time soon, with transfer fees set to be funded by the sales of existing members of the team.
Many clubs of similar stature to Southampton appear to be in a strong position, and one with more willingness, to spend big in the transfer market, but this difference in approach does not faze Hasenhuttl.
As quoted by the Daily Echo, the boss outlined how the development-oriented philosophy of the club was one of the reasons that attracted him. He said:
I know supporters always want to see new players. The best thing is if it’s a star. 50 million, you know? That’s what they like. I know this. To see fantastic players playing. I also like it.
I think for Southampton that is not our way. That was the reason I was coming here.
Hasenhuttl has always favoured the refinement of raw, young players over working with experienced pros. At RB Leipzig, the average age of the team’s starting line-up in his second season in charge tended to be approximately 24, highlighting the onus on his trust in youth.
It seems this will be the case in his new ventures with Southampton, too. Already, notable senior figures have faced the axe, and they are likely to be joined by several more in upcoming transfer windows.
Steven Davis, Manolo Gabbiadini, Wesley Hoedt and Cedric Soares have all left, and Charlie Austin appears to be the next player who could exit St Mary’s before the deadline next week.
The aforementioned players have generally been peripheral figures following the appointment of Hasenhuttl, with the likes of Michael Obafemi, Callum Slattery, Yan Valery and Kayne Ramsay all academy graduates and all preferred options.
Southampton’s squad remains large, and it looks as though several players have been deemed surplus to the manager’s plans going forward.
It is, of course, a risk to oversee the departures of many key players midway through the season and in the midst of a relegation battle. However, the Saints have long needed a clearout, and Hasenhuttl is wasting no time in mending and reshaping a broken club.
The measures taken are without doubt drastic and surprising, but it is reassuring to know that Southampton have a manager at the helm who believes in the historical approach of the club and one who will work within the often-inhibiting infrastructure that has existed over the past decade.
Hasenhuttl is instilling a culture at the club that has not been seen since Mauricio Pochettino’s reign. He is trusting the younger players, offering no guarantees to senior figures and prioritising the unconditional demand for hard work.
The manager has portrayed a perfect blend of discipline and patience, aiding Southampton’s younger players in believing in themselves and making the step up to regular senior football.
Cedric’s departure, in particular, is symbolic of Hasenhuttl’s belief in the club’s youth. Valery and Ramsay now have golden opportunities to stamp their authority on the right wing-back position and convince the boss that no further recruitment in this position will be necessary.
Whether this experiment will prove successful or not remains to be seen, but irrespective of whether the young duo sink or swim in the remainder of the season, they are safe in the knowledge that their manager is right behind them.
Instead of demanding that Southampton throw money at issues within the squad, Hasenhuttl appears keen to resolve them himself.
It is very much a case of revolution instead of evolution now at St Mary’s. Under the stewardship of a superb coach and tactician, the Saints are now finally back to being different in a league jam-packed with unoriginal approaches.
