RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted some responsibility for Adam Armstrong struggling to find his feet in the Premier League, conceding that his tactics mean there is a lot for the striker to learn.
Ralf Hasenhuttl said: “It was definitely not his fault. I put him in a position where he does not feel comfortable, in the red zone. He is more comfortable playing on the highest line where (Shane) Longy was playing in this game, through the gaps and in behind. I think it was a little bit, because of the tactics, not a good performance from him. But I am still convinced about this player, I know that he has some good strengths and will help us definitely, he will score his goals here for sure. Like always, I remember the first year for Che (Adams) here, it was a tough one, so it is a long-term project like it is for all of the other players. Some people take a little longer to adapt, some people take it quicker, it is no problem.”
Asked if that meant Hasenhuttl shoulders some of the responsibility for Armstrong’s slow start himself
Ralf Hasenhuttl responded: “Yeah, we are flexible tactically and there are different demanding challenges you have to face as a forward here in this team. We work a lot against the ball, have different positions in possession, he must be very flexible and this is what he has to learn – I think he will get better. He has some good potential and he will develop this, even then learning how to act when you are in the red zone, learning how to act when you are between the lines, on the last line he has some good strengths. He has the finish, he has shown he is quick, so he has shown that can score for us and he will in the future.”
Saints fans saw in a flash what Armstrong was capable of with that Merseyside opener. They had already begun the chants proclaiming the number nine as Danny Ings’ rightful successor.
Ralf Hasenhuttl added: “I try to develop every player, no matter if he is on loan here or permanent. To get the best out of the team, the selection is based on the demands we have from the opposition, whether they are sitting deeper or are you giving you a little bit more space. When you are under pressure you need different qualities from your forwards and when you have a team that is playing a lot of set-pieces, you also have to take care of this. It is very often a decision taken by the demands you have from the opponents, this is how it is.”
