#PLStories- RAlf Hasenhuttl reveals Southampton want to go beyond semi final in FA Cup #SAINTSFC

RALPH Hasenhuttl has outlined the semi-final, “or even more if it’s possible,” as Saints’ minimum target in the FA Cup this campaign. He managed the side to the final four last season before a disappointing and underwhelming defeat to eventual trophy winners Leicester City. Kelechi Iheanacho’s solitary goal confirmed that Saints would not attend their first FA Cup final since 2003, in front of a reduced capacity crowd at Wembley Stadium. Although it was a success in its own right to reach the semi-final, the manner in which it came and went without real event will have left supporters wanting a more inspiring crack this time around. “We played against Leicester and they won the FA Cup, so we lost against the winners,” Hasenhuttl did concede. “It’s a pity, maybe more was possible.” Leicester City went on to win the FA Cup last season (Pic: PA) “To come in the semi-final maybe it was a big success and this is what we want to reach again. The semi-final must be our target, or even more if it’s possible. “One time at Wembley you want to go to the final and have a chance to win.” He added: “It’s getting tougher every year because the top teams are getting stronger and are taking it more seriously. “We have to take it round-by-round. Coventry won’t be an easy game; it will be a tough challenge.” Shane Long scored an extra-time winner to beat Championship Swansea in the third round (Pic: PA) The Saints players go into the match off the back of a two-week break, and should be physically and mentally recharged for the challenge. For Mark Robins’ Sky Blues, they were in action last weekend with a tough trip to Middlesbrough, in which the home side came out victors. Austrian boss Hasenhuttl had grown accustomed to enjoying a winter break while he was managing in Germany’s Bundesliga – something not typically inserted into the British schedule. He and the players enjoyed making the most of the opportunity this time around. “The players had enough time to go abroad and I also went home for a few days,” he revealed. Staplewood smiles 😁 pic.twitter.com/NgLcfEAzqb — Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) February 2, 2022 “They really enjoyed this time. It was like a winter break for us and it’s very useful for recharging the batteries and being hungry for the next challenges that are coming up. “The atmosphere is fantastic and the willingness to work hard again is there and this is what you need to have.”