#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl happy to see Premier League COVID rules changed #SAINTSFC

RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted he is "definitely happier" following the Premier League's updated guidelines on matches being postponed due to COVID-19 cases. Previously, clubs could request for a game to be called off if at least one player had tested positive for coronavirus, meaning they fell below a threshold of 13 outfield players plus a goalkeeper available, whether that be through COVID, injuries, suspensions, or international call-ups. Following a swathe of games being called off despite limited COVID cases, many clubs expressed their dissatisfaction at the rules with Saints boss Hasenhuttl in particular one of the more vocal advocates of change. Now the rules have altered, meaning from this weekend Premier League clubs will have to show four positive cases of COVID-19 in order to apply for a match to be postponed, as well as having fewer than 14 available players. Saints saw their scheduled game against Newcastle United on January 2 postponed upon request of the Magpies. Brentford's visit to St Mary's was also rearranged in December due to a coronavirus outbreak among the Bees' squad. Asked for his thoughts on new rules being implemented mid-season by the Premier League, Hasenhuttl said: "I think I am definitely happier because it was absolutely necessary to change things. Because we have seen what situation it was leading to, games were called off because of injuries or whatever. "The transparency was not there. It is a little bit more now. It is clearer now, and this is definitely helpful for everything." He added: "We have not so many days where we can play the games and we have to be careful, because there will be some clubs in the end who will maybe be playing five or six games in the last two weeks or something like that. This cannot be the goal to be honest. It is good, it is much better now, hopefully." "The best thing would be we have no cases anymore, but I think this will take a little bit (of time)." From the Premier League's latest round of testing, figures revealed there were 11 positive coronavirus tests recorded last week, from 1,947 samples at clubs. Brentford boss Thomas Frank has since tested positive.