#PLStories- Southampton boss explains decision to make six changes for Brighton #BHAFC #SAINTSFC

RALPH Hasenhuttl explained making six changes from the defeat to Burnley was not a message to his players but “a response to the shape we wanted to play”, following a 2-2 draw at Brighton. The Austrian boss switched from the five-back defence to his usual shape after a dismal showing at Turf Moor on Thursday night, which saw Saints battered in a 2-0 defeat. Saints were lucky to not lose by more, despite the Clarets’ status as a relegation-threatened struggler in the Premier League. Hasenhuttl then named six changes dropping Armando Broja, Romain Perraud, Lyanco, Stuart Armstrong, Moi Elyounoussi and Yan Valery at the Amex Stadium. However, he denied it being in response to poor performances and instead suggested it was to facilitate his change in formation. “It was a response to the shape we wanted to play today and the shape,” Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo. “Very often the players I take is based on tactical things, what I try to change and we know what hurts them. “They (Brighton) also changed their shape today, they also played a back four and tactically it was interesting for the whole game. In the end, I’m happy we took a point.” Saints found themselves down to a Danny Welbeck opener inside 90 seconds, after just two days of preparation for the visit to Brighton. It looked like a continuation of the Thursday night horror when Mohammed Salisu put through his own net before half-time, and would have been but for James Ward-Prowse heroics. Having had so little time to prepare, Hasenhuttl admitted the early goal “definitely” made it even more frustrating. “But even there I was full of belief that we can achieve something here,” he added. “We knew it was a tough game but we have had a very good history in this stadium, since I was here we have never lost and always won here. Today we also had full belief.”