Southampton's Ralph Hasenhuttl planning changes for next season
Thursday 2 May 2019 15:43, UK
Southampton may have secured their top flight status with two games to spare but manager Ralph Hasenhuttl says there will be some changes next season.
Southampton are 16th in the table, with just 38 points, but they are safe from the drop after a 3-3 draw with Bournemouth and Hasenhuttl has done sterling work, having taken charge in December when the team had just one win and looked in big trouble.
However, rather than basking in his success, the manager wants to ensure there are no relegation concerns next season, and says the hard work starts with Saturday's trip to West Ham.
"I am very happy that we were a little bit successful in this time," said Hasenhuttl.
"For me it was a new step, in a new league, a new language.
"I was not sure if I could put, immediately, all the things in the team I want to.
"But I think finally, when I look back, it has not worked that bad.
"I am happy we had a good first year. Normally, the first half-year is the most difficult one, so we can look more positively for the future.
"We are trying to build the most important things for the next year now. For the next two weeks, everybody is here, from the team, from the staff.
"We want to make a few changes for next year.
"We must think about getting better in every position in the club and I think that means we have to be clear what was OK and where we have potential to grow and then make next year a big step forward.
"Signing players is one thing, knowing the expertise we need at this club is another thing, and that is the reason we will try to scan every part of the club at this moment."
Asked if the Saints had celebrated their survival, Hasenhuttl said: "Not that much. I think it was special the moment after, when we were on the pitch.
"It is different, winning a championship or only staying in the league.
"We are happy, we worked very hard to stay in the league. We came from a very difficult position.
"It is fantastic we are safe and it is like a new start. For the future, doing it better is the important thing."
