Ralph Hasenhuttl has indicated that the likes of Mario Lemina would find it hard to reintegrate themselves into the first-team setup after pushing for summer moves.
As quoted by The Daily Echo, the boss discussed the futures of the Saints players who could yet move before the European transfer window slams shut on 2 September.
Hasenhuttl was firm in his answer that he is only keen to work with footballers who want to be a part of the project he is leading at Southampton, hinting that Lemina – who has made his desire to leave clear – won’t be welcome any time soon.
The manager said:
In the moment, I want to be more focused on the players I work with and not the players having other futures in their minds.
My job at the moment is to concentrate on the players here I am working with because there is a lot of things to focus on.
Read Southampton’s verdict
Hasenhuttl only wants players who want to be at Southampton Football Club, and as fans, I think we should be of the same attitude. If Lemina wants to go, he should be shown the exit door, as he appears to have been.
The system and culture that Hasenhuttl has created depend on commitment, collective effort and focus. Lemina does not seem to have displayed the application and desire to play for the club this season, and as such, he has no place here.
Bridges have been burned and Lemina doesn’t seem to be in the thinking of our manager. Now, it’s all about finding a club that will take him off our hands – on a loan or a permanent deal.
