Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl highlights why the best young talent joins Southampton #SAINTSFC

August 27, 2022
SAINTS go into their next Premier League test with a refreshment of enthusiasm regarding their policy of trying to win anything with kids. Last season, of all academy players to impress in his training sessions, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl gave only 17-year-old Thierry Small any minutes – in the FA Cup versus Coventry City. The Austrian, following Tuesday’s 3-0 EFL Cup win over Cambridge United, has already given three Saints youngsters their first-team debuts. Hasenhuttl’s trust was rewarded with a universally-lifting debut goal for high-potential Dom Ballard, and a promising 75 minutes from the start for defender Lewis Payne. Saints prepare for the league match with Manchester United knowing their team will be youthful still, but these youngsters will not be the ones fresh from Staplewood. The average age of their five first-team summer signings is 20.8, with 18-year-old Romeo Lavia – who has started all three Premier League matches – the youngest and perhaps best of the bunch. They, including Gavin Bazunu and Sekou Mara, are some of the best young players in Europe and signed for Saints, like Tino Livramento, under the promise of playing in the biggest matches. “This is the reason why they want to play in the Premier League, because of the games coming up,” Hasenhuttl said, looking ahead to back-to-back home encounters with United and Chelsea. “Showing them how good they are against this team, and as I said at the beginning we and especially the young players want to show themselves how good they are. “This is the kind of mindset you have to have, and it is a good basic fundament for stepping in as a young player in such a game.” He continued: “Showing up, willing to show how good you are not only on the ball but for all the other habits you have to deliver. A serious performance with discipline, a lot of passion in the right moments and also then you can put the cherry on top with your ability on the ball, your passing. “This comes on top of the basic fundaments that must be there. Everyone who comes here knows this and it makes it easy for them to come on the pitch.” Livramento’s on-pitch success last season, until he was sidelined with an ACL injury in April, laid out the potential behind the blueprint of handing Premier League trust over the teenagers. His Chelsea teammate Armando Broja, 19-years-old at the time of joining on loan, was also a success – regardless of how his and the team’s season ended. As a result, Hasenhuttl, Martin Semmens and Sport Republic have doubled down on their courageous philosophy – knowing the consequence of failure. “I know that it is not so difficult to step into this team because they are a very good group, they are very good at taking care of the young players,” Hasenhuttl insists. “We know that we have a young squad at the moment and this makes it easier for the academy players to step into the team. “Very good atmosphere at the moment and everyone is positive, trying to help them. This is the way it should be but also not without being on them when they need to do more,” he added. It seems as though Hasenhuttl’s patience and loyalty has run out in some circumstances, preferring the likes of Ballard, Payne, Dynel Simeu and Diamond Edwards to Nathan Redmond, Jack Stephens and Theo Walcott in Tuesday’s matchday squad. But it is also that, with every season that passes, his playbook philosophy becomes more ingrained in the players that learn it and the coaches that teach them. “The thing is for these guys coming up from the academy, they know how to work hard and have the same philosophy we have in the first-team,” Hasenhuttl said. “They know immediately the intense way of playing football, when you come up here you are on the front-foot pressing, this is the reason why we put in this playbook years ago, for this situation. “We have always said it’s easier for them to come in because there is no stress, no nerves and they know exactly what to do. “This is the way we want to go and it would make it worth the time and energy everyone in the club has put in.” Hasenhuttl also points to a significant change in his first-team coaching department that could help pave the way for the talented young players. Carl Martin, last season’s under-18s coach who had shadowed Hasenhuttl the year before, was one of three additions to the Austrian’s team following the summer shakeup. (Pic: Matt Temple) All three of the new debutants on Tuesday night were integral parts of Martin’s Under-18 Premier League South title-winning team. “All the coaches know exactly the way we want to go and with Carl we have a connecting part in our staff team that has a good relationship with the guys and knows everybody,” Hasenhuttl explained. “You need to have this to know about who you can take. Then, it is about who deserves the chance to play and they deserve it. If they perform well with the youth, they get a chance to be with us.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more. Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Armando Broja
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Armando Broja gives farewell message to Southampton #SAINTSFC

May 24, 2022
ARMANDO Broja has posted a farewell message to his Saints supporters and teammates, as his season-long loan from Chelsea comes to an end. The 20-year-old forward scored nine goals in 38 appearances across all competitions for Saints, in his debut senior season in English football. Six of those strikes came in the Premier League, although only one was scored since Ralph Hasenhuttl told media he wanted to keep Broja at the club in January. The Albanian international was left out of the squad for the final day of the season at Leicester City yesterday. And following the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign, Broja has posted this farewell message to his Instagram: “I just want to start off by saying what a great season for me and my family personally. “A season full of ups and downs but no matter what I had family and amazing people to help me get through it. “I also want to say a massive thank you to Southampton and the amazing fans for allowing me and having the belief in me to showcase what I can do.” He continued: “I appreciate all the support and love you showed me and the team. “Finally I want to say thank you so much to the players you guys taught me so much this year. “I loved every minute with you lads it was honestly something special to me. You have not only become brothers to me but also family. I will miss you guys!” Broja has been linked to a number of clubs across the Premier League and Europe during the season’s run-in, while Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel gave a recent update on his future. The German confirmed that Broja and Conor Gallagher will return to Blues to be part of their pre-season, and face assessment for the year ahead. A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more. Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Thomas Tuchel
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Thomas Tuchel confirms Broja will return to Chelsea for pre-season #CHELSEAFC

May 19, 2022
CHELSEA manager Thomas Tuchel confirms Armando Broja will return to Blues so he can assess him in pre-season. The 20-year-old forward is set to head back to Stamford Bridge following the conclusion of his season-long loan at Saints next week. Broja could play his final game for the St Mary’s outfit this Sunday, when Saints travel to Leicester City for matchday 38 of the Premier League campaign. It was a successful start to Premier League life for Chelsea product Broja, scoring five goals by January of his first season while on loan at Saints. He has only scored one since but Ralph Hasenhuttl is still keen to keep the Albanian international at the club beyond his current loan deal. Tuchel, who led Chelsea to a Champions League win last year, confirmed that he wants to look at Broja and fellow loanee Conor Gallagher in pre-season. "They will come back for sure,” the German boss insisted, speaking ahead of their clash with Leicester tomorrow. “I want to have them in pre-season and we will decide in pre-season what goes on. It is heavily up to them and how they do." Broja, who spent last season on loan at Dutch Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem, marked his Saints debut with two goals in the EFL Cup at Newport County. He netted his first Premier League goal on his first league start, at home to Leeds United in October. His last notch in the league came during the comeback 3-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur in February. Towards the end of last month, Hasenhuttl said: “Let’s have a look what we do next season. "It is interesting that you know everything about Armando Broja. We will have definitely a good young group next season, however it looks. “At this moment it is not easy to negotiate with Chelsea. There is no question, and it is not surprising that I want him to stay here another year. I know this would be good for him.” The Daily Echo understands that Chelsea are now open for business and options can be discussed with the club and player.  A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more. Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton boss not given up hope of Armando Broja transfer #SAINTSFC

April 30, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl has not given up hope of keeping on-loan Armando Broja at St Mary’s next season, teasing “let’s have a look at what we do” and adding: “I know this would be good for him.” The 20-year-old Chelsea academy forward is set to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the current campaign, when his season-long loan deal with Saints will expire. Already an Albanian international and goalscorer in the Dutch Eredivisie, Broja’s reputation has rocketed during his first full season as a Premier League player. Read more When it was suggested that Broja may not be at the club come August, Hasenhuttl quipped: “Let’s have a look what we do next season, it is interesting that you know everything about Armando Broja. We will have definitely a good young group next season, however it looks.” Armando Broja has a promising future at just 20-years-old (Pic: Stuart Martin) However, later asked if there was any progress on securing the Slough-born striker’s future, the Austrian responded: “At this moment it is not easy to negotiate with Chelsea. There is no question, and it is not surprising that I want him to stay here another year. I know this would be good for him.” Returning from Vitesse Arnhem, Broja featured for Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel during pre-season – scoring at AFC Bournemouth – before completing a loan deal with Saints down the road just over a week later. He has since scored six Premier League goals. However, only one of those has come since mid-January, in a 3-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur. That is his only goalscoring return in his last 13 Premier League matches, although he also propelled a rotated Saints side into the FA Cup quarter-final via a goal and winning a penalty versus West Ham in March. Armando Broja celebrates sealing a St Mary's win over West Ham (Pic: PA) “The interesting thing is that young players are not allowed to have, two, three or four bad games because it is not understandable,” Hasenhuttl said, of the young striker. “But it is understandable. After the first big impact he made in the league everybody knows him now and everybody is taking care of him. “It is much harder. I know this as a striker. If nobody knows you and does not know your strengths, then it is easier to compete. “It is completely normal that there comes a moment when you have a little bit of a setback. The important thing is that he starts working hard again and fighting to be dangerous up front.” Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (Pic: Stuart Martin) He continued: “The more you do for the team, the more you invest, the earlier you get back to the situation where you get chances. “At the moment when he plays, the number of chances is going down. He needs to invest a little bit more in some moments. “Sometimes he must learn how to set his body. We have good examples of this in the team at the moment and they show this in an impressive way. “It is good for young players to have situations like this, to go through it. This was the reason he came to us, to learn and to get better. It has been a very important first season for him.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more. Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl gives verdict on claims for foul on Broja in Leeds goal #SAINTSFC

April 3, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl insisted the 1-1 draw with Leeds United was a “tough game for the referee”, in response to claims for a foul during the build-up to the home side’s goal. Before Raphinha’s cross fell to Jack Harrison, via Fraser Forster, to open the scoring at Elland Road, Armando Broja was brought down on the halfway line by Liam Cooper. Referee Anthony Taylor adjudged there to be no foul on the Albanian, and the ball went out of play soon after to start a new phase of play. James Ward-Prowse struck a stunning free-kick to level the scores in the second-half, and Hasenhuttl insisted his Saints side cannot complain about any potential foul. “I think it was a tough game for the referee today because of a lot of fouls and a lot of intense duals,” Hasenhuttl insisted. “Broja is quick and when the ball is past the defender, the only chance to stop him is with a body and then it’s up to the referee to decide if it’s a foul or not. “He said no, we can’t complain, we have to defend. This is what we didn’t do in this moment and then we conceded a goal that normally we have a chance for us.” He continued: “It’s a little bit annoying and disappointing but in the end, the good thing is at half-time we adapted a little bit to the few issues we had, we didn’t have a lot but the few issues we had. “Especially with our six sometimes, a little bit too high opening up counter-attacks for them. Second half was much, much better and in the end we had bigger chances, we should win this game.”
Armando Broja
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl gives Armando Broja and Lyanco injury update #SAINTSFC

February 6, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl admits he is unsure how serious Armando Broja’s injury is but confirmed it was a hit to the top of his knee, as Saints paid a “high price” for FA Cup progression. His side were forced into another extra time to defeat Championship opposition in Coventry City, as the bodies racked up before a 2-1 victory. Lyanco had been subbed earlier in the match after he picked up a hamstring injury which Hasenhuttl has described as looking “very serious”. Lyanco out on crutches but smiling. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/90eiZV4pnG — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) February 5, 2022 Saints face Spurs and Manchester United in the next seven days and could have done without the additional time, not to mention two potentially serious concerns. Speaking after the match, Hasenhuttl said: “Not good. “Hopefully we have not paid a high price for going in the next round but there are no easy games around. We tried to manage everyone with gametime but it is not so easy. “The injury to Lyanco looks very serious, it was also a problem because we had no other subs.” He continued: “Players had to play longer than they should play, Tino for example his first game back and nearly 90 minutes, after 60 normally he should be finished. “In an FA Cup game you cannot control what happens and against a team that is so tough.” On Broja, he added: “He was fouled on the middle line and it was a hit on the top of the knee and we must look how serious it is. But hopefully not too serious.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl gives Armando Broja a warning as he gives latest on Chelsea loanee’s future #SAINTSFC

February 5, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl has sent Armando Broja the warning “there are a lot of examples where players, after changing clubs, do not perform like they have with us,” amid a potential battle for his future. There was no movement on Saints’ position on the Chelsea loanee as the January transfer window came and went, with Broja always set to remain at St Mary’s for at least this campaign. Despite reports of interest from a number of Premier League rivals, as well as the potential for Chelsea to want to keep hold of the 20-year-old, Saints still retain an interest in keeping him permanently. CEO Martin Semmens is in constant contact with Blues over what Broja’s next move will be, with all options thought to be considered by Saints in a bid to keep him longer. Armando Broja has five goals in his debut Premier League season (Pic: Stuart Martin) However, Hasenhuttl was asked again if he was worried about the Albanian’s future and this time sent the striker a warning that the grass is not always greener. “He knows how important it is for him as a player to play continuously,” Hasenhuttl responded, unmoved by suggestions of heightened interest elsewhere. “Here he gets that chance and has shown he fits to us and our shape. “There are a lot of examples where players after changing clubs do not perform like they have done with us.” Danny Ings has scored just four in the league at Aston Villa (Pic: PA) The Austrian added: “It is important he knows this and that his agent knows this. “We have a good relationship with Chelsea and are in good contact. He is their player. We have tried to develop him here, and I think we have. “If they think we should do it another year and do not want to sell him in the summer, then there is no better spot to be,” he added, suggesting that Saints will lead the race for a further loan spell, if that is to be Chelsea’s decision. Martin Semmens and Sport Republic will try to keep Armando Broja at St Mary's beyond June (Pic: Stuart Martin) “It is not always in our hands and if he or the club have any other ideas, it is how it is.” Hasenhuttl could be pointing to any number of Saints stars that he and the club have sold on who have not yet matched the heights they hit wearing red and white. From the recent summer exodus, Ryan Bertrand and Jannik Vestergaard have failed to impress under Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers after forcing Saints exits. Leicester 3-1 up vs Liverpool and bring on Bertrand and Vestergaard.20 mins later: 3-3, Bertrand misses final, crucial penalty and they’re out. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/0hg4prsapt — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) December 22, 2021 Meanwhile, Danny Ings – who Aston Villa parted with £30million to acquire in August – has only registered four goals in 16 Premier League appearances, with two of those coming in the first two matches of the campaign. But that exodus, which lead to many outside of the club tipping Saints for a relegation battle, is exactly why Hasenhuttl was so pleased that not one Saints player wanted to leave this January. “Maybe it is because everybody sees we are in a very positive way, in a developing way and we are getting better,” he speculated. “We have some young players who are getting better and are getting better as a team. The mentality has changed a little bit. Armando Broja gets to play alongside childhood friend Tino Livramento (Pic: Stuart Martin) “When we stay on this track, we have a lot of positive surprises possible with this club. This is why everybody wants to be with us now and we try to give every player the atmosphere to develop.” Hasenhuttl added: “If somebody thinks he wants to go somewhere else and we cannot keep him, then there are other players around. “The most important thing for us is we have an image as a club that develops players fantastically. 19🎂🥳! Let’s keep working & moving forward. Thank you for all your support as always. pic.twitter.com/g0c6kWo4Rr — tino livramento (@tino_livramento) November 12, 2021 “That is worth more than all the money you can pay a player because, especially for the young lads, and there are a lot of talented players in England, they do not get a chance to play somewhere. “They are highly welcome, and they are phoning us asking us to take them and give them a chance to play.” Those comments lead to Hasenhuttl being asked if Saints are no longer a ‘selling club’, although the boss somewhat rejected that notion as an outright negative. Unconfirmed reports link interest to Saints' Mohammed Salisu (Pic: Stuart Martin) “It will never change because there will always be a bigger club than we are,” he said. “It is a good sign that they are looking at us because it means we are doing a good job here because otherwise they wouldn’t. “When they leave here, they are different players to when they are arrived. This is what we try to do.”
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Armando Broja has ‘done really well’ on loan at Southampton says Oriol Romeu #SAINTSFC

January 27, 2022
ORIOL Romeu claims it is “not easy” to be part of Chelsea’s loan army, with the Saints vice-captain believing that teammate Armando Broja has “done really well” during his loan stint on the south coast. After joining the London club in 2011 from Barcelona, Romeu found himself on loan for two years out of his four season stay at Chelsea. Sent out to Valencia in his native Spain and Stuttgart in Germany, Romeu was then allowed to move permanently – with Saints snapping up the holding midfielder for what has proved to be a bargain £5 million. When asked about his experiences out on loan whilst at Chelsea, Romeu told the Daily Echo: “It’s not easy. “I think Armando has done really well to come into a new club, for a season or two max, I thought it was always difficult when I had to do it. “That’s why I think Armando is doing really well. “You need to perform quite well to be a starter like Armando is doing. “He is a threat for us now, he is a player that we need. “With his speed he really hurts everyone and he can create chances from many positions. “I think having him is quite a good thing, and it is really helping us get some points, especially the last few months.” Broja is one of 22 Chelsea players currently contracted to the club but playing elsewhere, with that number a severe reduction of their recent high of 49 players loan out during the 2018-19 season. In comparison, Saints only have 11 players out on loan, and during the 2018-19 campaign, 18 Saints were playing their football elsewhere. The Blues rarely send a player to the same club more than once, leaving players struggling to put down roots off the pitch in order to perform on it. When asked if leaving the loan-heavy environment of Chelsea was beneficial for his career, Romeu said: “I think it is good to have some stability. “Unless it is two seasons would be good, but you’re moving one year after the other, it makes it quite hard for yourself to feel a part of that team. “Therefore it is difficult to perform at your best. “You also move your family, you’re also moving houses which sometimes looks easy but it is quite a stressful thing to do. “I do think that as well it is a good chance to go out somewhere and get some more minutes, especially when you’re young, you need that to develop yourself. “But is important as well to make sure it is not something for three months and you go somewhere else for another three months, change countries, because that’s not helping the player to perform at their best.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl explains reasons for a unexpected result against Manchester City #SAINTSFC #MCFC

January 23, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl has attributed “unbelievable work against the ball,” as the reason why Armando Broja might have missed a golden opportunity to go ahead versus Manchester City. The Albanian frontman had a goal disallowed for offside in the first-half and also saw a big penalty shout go down thanks to the linesman’s flag, in the 1-1 draw with the defending champions. Following the break, an opportunity presented itself to Broja to head home from merely yards – albeit under pressure from goalkeeper Ederson – but the striker could only head onto the woodwork. Saints had their backs against the wall for much of the second period and the strikers were again the first port of call to prevent the City onslaught. Hasenhuttl says this might be why he missed, adding: “You feel in the second-half when you are only defending how tough it is to defend the goal. “They are too good, they find solutions, even if they have not a real nine they are entering the box with players and it is always tough to defend it. “You have to do it second-half, the attackers did so well against the ball and that is maybe the reason why Broja did not finish a big chance in the second-half, because they had unbelievable work against the ball today. “But they did it in an unbelievable way and showed fight for this club, I’m so proud of them.”
Armando Broja
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says loan player Unique Broja doing well at Saints #CHELSEAFC #SAINTSFC

January 18, 2022
CHELSEA boss Thomas Tuchel insists now is not the time to discuss Armando Broja's future, as he continues to impress at Saints. The striker is currently enjoying a season-long loan at St Mary's, and is the club's top goalscorer this campaign with seven goals. That form has led to calls for Saints to try and make a permanent move for Broja either in this transfer window or in the summer. A report today in the Evening Standard claims Chelsea will let Saints know this week whether or not they will entertain bids for the striker this month. The suggestion is Saints would have to pay at least £20million to sign the Albania international, and accept a buy-back clause as part of the deal, as they did with Tino Livramento in the summer. Asked if Broja will get a chance back at Chelsea next season, Blues boss Tuchel said: "He is our player and he is doing good. But at the same time it is only half a season. "He needs to continue to improve and to make his statement at Southampton. "We have a reason why they are our players. They have quality, they have mentality and now they are out there on their own in different environments, different clubs and proving themselves. "Armando is getting better and better. "He is a very unique player with very unique strengths in his game - his speed and robustness. And he is a goalscorer. "First of all, now is not the moment to discuss about the summer. Now is the moment for him to stay calm and keep on improving." Speaking recently on the possibility of Broja extending his stay at Saints, Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “Martin (Semmens) is in close contact with Marina (Granovskaia) and they will definitely find the right words and the right conversations. “Everyone has their interests, this is normal in this business, but we must find a decision that is best for everybody. "We will find a solution that is hopefully the best for the player and also for us. There are various options that you can talk about. “The most important thing is that the player knows what he has to do. I think that he knows very clear what he has with us at this club and that he feels super good here, everyone knows that. “He knows Tino (Livramento), he knows Dynel (Simeu) from Chelsea, he gets on well with Will (Smallbone) and Nathan Tella, it’s a young group. “This isn't about money, it is about feeling comfortable and getting a good atmosphere to develop your game and to get better and better.” He continued: “There are a lot of talks to be had but Martin is on this and Broja should concentrate on this game. “It’s a job for us as a club but also his people around him. I know that his family is very keen that he is with us and they have absolutely confirmed that he should stay longer with us. “Then it’s also about Chelsea and what they want.” The Athletic today reported “most probable outcome” for the 20-year-old frontman is that he leaves Chelsea on a permanent transfer in the summer, or competes for a starting spot at Stamford Bridge, as opposed to heading out on loan again. Broja, who featured during pre-season for Chelsea, scoring in a win at Bournemouth, spent last season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in Holland. Before joining Saints in the summer, the 20-year-old signed a new five-year deal at Chelsea.
Armando Broja
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Jan Bednarek says Chelsea loanee Armando Broja has a bright future #SAINTSFC #CHELSEAFC

January 4, 2022
JAN Bednarek believes teammate Armando Broja is "getting better and better" during his loan spell at Saints, adding: "It's a bright future in front of him." After a slow start, Broja has impressed since joining Saints on loan from Chelsea. The Albania international scored twice on his debut for the club, in an 8-0 win at Newport County in the Carabao Cup. But the 20-year-old was mainly reduced to substitute appearances during his early months in the Premier League, before finally being handed a start against Leeds United in October. Broja grabbed his chance, scoring the only goal of the contest at St Mary's. He has since featured regularly from the off for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side, scoring in draws against Burnley, Brighton and Crystal Palace. His all-round centre-forward play has also been commended, and centre-back Bednarek was full of praise for the youngster. "He’s a great player, he’s learning very quickly," the Poland international told the Daily Echo. "He had a difficult start to the season where he had to adjust and adapt to the Premier League, it’s a different intensity. "But he did it very well and we can see with each game he’s getting better and better and it’s a bright future in front of him." Prior to joining Saints, Broja spent time on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in Holland. He made his only senior Chelsea appearance to date as a late substitute against Everton in the Premier League in March 2020.
Armando Broja
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Armando Broja likes it here at Saints says Ralph, after he wins crucial foul #SAINTSFC

December 27, 2021
ARMANDO Broja’s super speed won Saints a “clear foul” insists Ralph Hasenhuttl, who adds that the on-loan forward “likes it here with us”. The Albanian international was again pivotal for his loanee club as Saints picked up a 3-2 win at West Ham’s London Stadium. As well as winning the penalty that James Ward-Prowse slotted home to give his side the lead for a second time, Broja is a general menace and currently shares the joint-top place with his skipper for Saints’ top league goalscorer this campaign. The 20-year-old has four goals in seven starts and his strikes alone have earned Saints five points that could be crucial. Supporters are already committing football’s cardinal sin – falling in love with a loan player – but Hasenhuttl insists that Broja loves playing his football with the St Mary’s outfit at the moment. “Yes, I think it was a clear foul,” Hasenhuttl said, of Craig Dawson’s trip on Broja in the second-half. “If it was inside or outside (the box) I cannot see from my perspective. “But it was a clear foul because he’s gone, he can score or assist. He’s quick, Broja is super-quick. “They had problems with him in the first game and this is the reason why I think that it is good that the referee looked at it again on the VAR decision.” And asked how important Hasenhuttl considers the Chelsea prospect to be to his team, he told the Daily Echo: “Very important, yeah absolutely. “He gets better and better. Likes it here with us, likes to play with us, feels comfortable here and is willing to learn to work hard, and this is what we do.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl provides update on Armando Broja and Adam Armstrong injuries #SAINTSFC

December 12, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl is unsure how serious injuries picked up by striker duo Armando Broja and Adam Armstrong at Arsenal will prove to be. Both men were forced off during Saints' 3-0 defeat at Emirates Stadium. Armstrong, who was brought into the side to replace the injured Che Adams, required treatment during the first half on what appeared to be a calf problem. The former Blackburn Rovers man played on, before having to be withdrawn two minutes before half-time and replaced by Mohamed Elyounoussi. Then, with 20 minutes to play, Broja hobbled off with Lyanco coming on as Saints changed their system, with Nathan Tella and Nathan Redmond ending the game as the front two. Asked for an update on the severity of Armstrong and Broja's injuries, Hasenhuttl said: "We don’t know yet. Hopefully not too serious. "But it was not possible for them to continue. "The signs before the game haven’t been the best today, and hopefully we have not more injuries now because a tough time of the season is coming." Asked if it could alter his plans in January with striker trio Broja, Armstrong and Adams all struggling with injuries, Hasenhuttl added: "We will look how serious it is, how long they are out and then we will look." Saints were also without suspended duo Oriol Romeu and Mohammed Salisu, as well as the injured Alex McCarthy, Fraser Forster and Stuart Armstrong for the trip to Arsenal. Hasenhuttl's men head to Crystal Palace on Wednesday (7.30pm).
Armando Broja
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Chelsea loanee Armando Broja reveals his ‘crazy’ time at Saints #SAINTSFC #CHELSEAFC

December 8, 2021
LOANEE Armando Broja described his first few months at Saints as "crazy", adding: "I'm just trying to improve every day." Broja, who is at Saints on a season-long loan from Chelsea, is currently the club's top scorer this term. That is after his impressive opener during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Brighton, taking his tally for the campaign to five. The 20-year-old scored twice on his debut, in the 8-0 Carabao Cup win at Newport County, before also netting against Leeds United and Burnley in the Premier League. Broja has been largely restricted to a role as substitute this season, with Che Adams and Adam Armstrong often preferred. However, the Albania international grabbed his chance from the off against Brighton, in just his fifth start for the club. His goal looked like it would be the winner, until Neal Maupay popped up with an equaliser in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time. Assessing his time at Saints so far, Broja told the Daily Echo: "I’m really enjoying it. "It’s obviously my first season in the Premier League. It’s been crazy. "I’m a young player and it’s amazing for everyone to be able to have this opportunity to be in the Premier League and gain experience and become a better player and work with better players. "It’s a dream come true. I’m just trying to improve every day and just learn." He added: "Of course there’s always competition. It’s the Premier League, it’s the most difficult league, there’s always going to be competition in the team. "It’s good. I’ll just keep my head down and try and help out the team as much as possible and I was thankful that I got a goal (on Saturday), but the main thing is the team. It was just a shame that we couldn’t take the three points." Reflecting on the late Brighton equaliser, Broja, who had already been replaced by Armstrong when Maupay found the net, said: "Of course it’s disappointing. It’s a big blow to concede to a goal like that. "It’s obviously not the best thing for us, but I think our overall performance was really good. "I think we controlled the game, we dominated the game, it’s just unfortunate to concede a goal right at the end. "It’s not what you want. We just need to keep pushing forward, improving and working hard." He added: "It’s the Premier League, anything can happen, it’s the best league in the world. "One chance and it’s a goal. It’s not ideal for us. "We dominated the game and that’s the thing, when you concede a goal like that, basically the last kick of the game, it was a shame obviously after what I think was a dominant performance from us. "But we’re just going to keep pushing forward and onto Arsenal next week."
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl gives insight to striker importance and Armando Broja #SAINTSFC

November 4, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted his side “must be more clinical” but that he has faith in Saints’ forwards to take them up the Premier League table.  Only skipper James Ward-Prowse and Armando Broja have managed to score two goals in the league for Saints, 10 games into the 2021-22 season. Strikers Che Adams and Adam Armstrong have both hit one, along with Moi Elyounoussi and Tino Livramento who have also both contributed. When Armando Broja was ruled out of the Watford visit last weekend through an ankle injury, it immediately sparked concerns with fans who wondered where the killer instinct would come from. The Albanian international had just notched two in his first two starts in England’s top-flight, and looked set to be hitting a purple patch in confidence. And although Saints were victorious in Hertfordshire, they could have should have won by a few more with a number of top chances squandered by the aforementioned replacement strikers. Broja’s fitness remains unknown going forward into Aston Villa on Friday, but speaking before last weekend Hasenhuttl identified the same concerns, albeit confident that it won’t be an issue. “For a striker, goals are very important,” the Austrian boss said, of Adams and Armstrong’s confidence, but in the away games, we have had a lot of opportunities. “I remember how often we entered the box against Newcastle and Man City but didn’t find the right final decision. We could have been a little bit cooler. “We will have a game where we find all of these positions and then I know we can score goals. When you are in the box like we have been, even on Tuesday (against Chelsea), there will always be opportunities to score.” He predicted correctly: “I’m convinced that we will have the chances this weekend, but we must be more clinical and take them.” Adams scored a superb effort to secure the win and make it two in two last week for him, after he had also equalised at Stamford Bridge, but has still only registered 15 in 86 in all comps for Saints. Armstrong is still waiting for his first strike since 20 minutes into the opening day of the season at Goodison Park. And asked if Broja has already shown that he has the ability to eclipse the pairing, Hasenhuttl responded: “There’s no question that he showed in the two Premier League games he started that he has the qualities we want to have. “But very often in football, as soon as something is looking very pretty, an injury comes or a suspension. You have to reset the group and you never have time to think, ‘What if?’. “It’s about working out what you can do and finding the best possible shape with the best mix of players up front to give you the extra quality to score. As we saw on Tuesday, without Broja we still have players who can score. “We have to give them the trust and bring them into the position where we can make the final goal. This is the challenge for me and a challenge for the team.”
Nathan Redmond
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton’s Armando Broja reveals Nathan Redmond has respect in Saints dressing room #SAINTSFC

October 20, 2021
LEADER Nathan Redmond "has the respect from the others" in the dressing room at Saints, explained boss Ralph Hasenhuttl. The 27-year-old has proven to be a divisive figure among the Saints fanbase in recent months, but he shone during Saturday's victory over Leeds United. Playing as a striker alongside Armando Broja, Redmond provided the assist for the latter in the 1-0 victory. Speaking to the Daily Echo after the game, Broja dedicated his goal to Redmond, explaining: "He said to me before the game, ‘just keep working because the goal is going to come today’. He said ‘I’ll make sure the goal comes for you’. "He was amazing as well and it was a great run from him and a great pass from him." In a separate interview, the Albanian frontman added: "He's obviously been playing in the Premier League for a long time, experienced, he knows everything. "In the game he's a great player to be with because he just coaches you through the game. Tells you where you need to be, tells you to cover. "So I don't feel like I'm out the game. I know exactly what I'm doing, I know everything. He just helps you. I couldn't be more happy with Nathan." And Broja was not the first young Saints player to praise Redmond in recent weeks, with teenager Tino Livramento also crediting the former Norwich City man with helping him to improve. Asked how important Redmond's experience is among the squad, boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: "He is definitely a player who has the respect from the others because he has a lot of experience in the Premier League. "He played a lot of games there. I am not part of the dressing room all the time, so I cannot tell you how much they are speaking to the others. "I see them sometimes talking. Tino especially is a player who knows very good what he needs to do, but the way he stepped in the team since he was here is a fantastic one and sure all the players are definitely helping the young lads. "We have a good mixture at the moment between the leaders and the workers. "I think absolutely everybody has to work, but the balance is good." Discussing Redmond's recent performances, and some of the criticism he has received from supporters, Hasenhuttl added: "I think Reddy had a tough last season, with some injuries and was never really fit. "Now he is coming back to a higher level. We have to give him the trust. "Then he has to pay it back. It’s so simple as this in football. He did it, he paid back. "I’m always very critical with him. I know how good he can be and I’m not really always happy with what I see. "I always want more from him, because he is good. "This is pressure on him, yes. But I think he needs this. If he works like he did (on Saturday), automatically his performance is a very good one and then he shows he can help us in the Premier League. "This is what we need to have, this quality we need to have. The way that he made the assist for the goal was how Reddy can do it."
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals confident Armando Broja showed ‘he is a threat’ #SAINTSFC

October 17, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl hailed the display of match-winner Armando Broja, who fired Saints to victory over Leeds United. Broja, 20, capped his first Premier League start with his first Premier League goal as Saints saw off the Whites 1-0 at St Mary's. The Albania international, on loan from Chelsea, was a handful throughout and could have added to his tally as the hosts dominated Marcelo Bielsa's side for the majority of the contest. But his one goal was enough to ensure a first league victory of the campaign for Saints. This afternoon was Broja's first Saints start since the Carabao Cup tie at Sheffield United, in which Hasenhuttl openly criticised aspects of the youngster's performance. Since, the striker has been away on international duty, netting the winner for Albania against Hungary. Discussing Broja's performance against Leeds, boss Hasenhuttl said: "Against Sheffield I was not so happy with his performance. Today it was much better. "I think the goal in the international break has definitely given him confidence and he has something you can use to be a threat around the box. "I also had the feeling when he has the ball that he is a threat. He has the speed to go over a player and to have a clear shot. "There were too other good scenes where he can score, but I must say it was a good performance, yes." In the week, Hasenhuttl described Broja as a "good sub", hinting that he was not yet ready to complete a full 90 minutes in the Premier League. Asked why he opted to start the striker, Hasenhuttl explained: "Che Adams was injured and we needed a big striker up front. "Armando is a striker who scored in the international break. I think it is time for him also to show he can play 90 minutes good. "Today I think he worked quite hard, also against the ball much better, which in our game is very important. "Also with the game he showed he can help you and this is good to see."
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl says #ArmandoBroja is ready for Premier League start #SAINTSFC

September 17, 2021
ARMANDO Broja is among the players Ralph Hasenhuttl has admitted is ready for a Premier League start, but the boss insists: “It is not about who deserves to play, it is about what we need.” The 20-year-old Albanian frontman changed the game from the substitutes bench after his St Mary’s introduction against West Ham, where within minutes he had rattled the post, had a header cleared off the line and made general mincemeat of Hammers’ defenders. The impressive cameo has led to many suggesting that he could be in from the off, a suggestion which Hasenhuttl admits isn’t unfounded. But the Austrian has moved to confirm that what he believes the team needs to get the best result reigns supreme, and with a rebuttal that could suggest Broja might have to wait for a second-half chance once again. On whether Broja is ready, Hasenhuttl said: “Yes. I think we have a few players who are ready to start in the Premier League. The good thing is that I have the choice now. “Last season, if you were fit you would have played. This season we have a lot of quality and things that we can try. It is not about who deserves to play, it is about what we need in these games.” Che Adams, who started each of the first three Premier League matches, didn’t make it onto the pitch last weekend after he had returned from international duty with Scotland, and will also be waiting in the wings hopeful that he can offer the team something. Given the immediate impact that fellow Chelsea academy star Tino Livramento has made, it’s no surprise that many are already excited about the potential for Broja to perform at the highest level this campaign – particularly after a prolific spell in the Dutch Eredivisie as a warm-up last year. Hasenhuttl added: “I told the players today that it will sometimes seem unfair when they have a good game and then are not playing but when you need something different, you change. “I don’t want to speak too much about what we have planned but surprising Pep (Guardiola), it doesn’t take long for him to work it out and counter it. “We are ready for this battle and the goal is to keep the game open for as long as possible.”
Alex McCarthy Southampton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #ArmandoBroja has impressed #AlexMcCarthy since his arrival at Saints #SAINTSFC

September 15, 2021
KEEPER Alex McCarthy described as “top-drawer” Armando Broja’s impact off the bench for Saints against West Ham and added: “He applies himself very well.” The Albanian international replaced Adam Armstrong for the final 16 minutes against the Irons on Saturday. Chelsea youngster Broja almost netted his first league goal for his loan club, but saw his shot cannon off the post in the 0-0 draw. He also saw a header cleared off the line by Declan Rice, after meeting James Ward Prowse’s corner. McCarthy said: “All the subs that came on were excellent. They definitely changed the complexion of the game. “Armando when he came on, I thought he was top-drawer. On another day I think that (the shot) goes in rather than coming straight back out. “It was unfortunate not to see that go in but there’s lots of positives we can take.” Broja came through the youth ranks at Chelsea and signed a fresh five-year contract at Stamford Bridge before joining Saints on a season-long deal this summer. He spent last season on loan Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem, where he made 34 appearances and scored 11 goals. Slough-born Broja also opened his goal account on the senior international stage for Albania earlier this month. Asked what it had been like working with the 20-year-old, McCarthy said: “He’s a great lad along with Tino (Livramento) and everyone else that’s come in. “I think we’ve got a really good bunch of lads this season, there’s a great team spirit there. “He applies himself very well in training and that’s why he’s got his chance in the game and produced.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl explains on-loan #ArmandoBroja introduction #SAINSTFC

September 13, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl says Armando Broja was “a slow starter” at Saints in the wake of his impressive show against West Ham, admitting: “In the beginning he was a little, I don’t want to say lazy, but didn’t show his qualities.” Slough-born Albanian international Broja was introduced in place of Adam Armstrong with just more than 15 minutes to play, and gave Saints’ supporters a taste of what could be to come on his first St Mary’s appearance. Saints quickly began to get a grip on the game that was slipping away, partly courtesy to a superb solo run and a mincing of Hammers defender Angelo Ogbonna for pace, before Broja's pull-back couldn’t be bundled home by Moi Elyounoussi. The 20-year-old striker then stood the same man up again, travelling half the pitch before unleashing a daisy cutter that cannoned off the post – moments before his header from a James Ward-Prowse corner required clearing off the goalline. Showing he can do it all, it was about as big an impact as a forward could hope to make in a game that ended 0-0. But Hasenhuttl has revealed exactly why we didn’t see the on-loan Chelsea man earlier, suggesting that perhaps he’d be forced to work a little bit harder than what he was used to under the Austrian boss. Speaking after the match, Hasenhuttl revealed: “He was a slow starter when he was coming in but in the last three weeks it’s impressive how quick he learns and how quick he wants to do it better. “On Saturday I have seen why we signed him and why the scouts wanted him to sign and this is good. The first two weeks, I was looking what he has to give for me and I can see now, to be honest. “I had some very serious conversations with him to tell him what I want to see and he’s been a bit of a slow starter, you need to push him a little bit I think, and now he’s moving in the direction I want to see and definitely shown his qualities he has so far in this moment. This is very positive for me.” Not wanting to get Hasenhuttl misunderstood, the Daily Echo quizzed the boss on exactly what he meant by ‘slow starter’, to which the Saints manager revealed an honest answer. He said: “The way we play football is a little different to how he has played so far, a little bit more energetic. “He was in the beginning, he was a little bit, I don’t want to say lazy, but he didn’t show the qualities he has. “You come into a new club, you must show that players have respect for you and show the qualities you have, he did this in the last two games coming on against Newcastle and on Saturday also. “For me this is a very good sign, I think this is what we wanted to see from him and he showed us.”
Nathan Tella
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #NathanTella reveals all on Southampton FC’s new signings #SAINTSFC

August 17, 2021
NATHAN Tella insists Saints’ new signings have already settled in well and put it down to the squad, revealing: “I feel like in some teams maybe the boys aren’t as welcoming, but here they are.” Ralph Hasenhuttl has welcomed six summer additions, but with loanee Theo Walcott returning and Dynel Simeu entering the B team it’s four brand new first-teamers. Tella, 22, has made 19 Premier League appearances before appearing off the bench in Saints’ 2021-22 opening day defeat at Everton’s Goodison Park, where debutant Adam Armstrong scored but the team were powerless to resist a second-half salvo. Three of the four signings featured and all were in from the start, with Romain Perraud occupying left-back and the selection of Tino Livramento over stalwart Kyle Walker-Peters raising some eyebrows. All three did quite well, with the aforementioned Armstrong and Livramento particularly standing out in view of some supporters – on-loan Chelsea striker Armando Broja didn’t make the squad. Speaking to the Daily Echo, Tella revealed: “Armando and Adam are both really good lads, I’m looking forward to playing with them and seeing what they’re capable of, helping the team progress. “I feel like in some teams, maybe the boys aren’t as welcoming but here the boys are welcoming them really well, it’s like they’ve been here for a long time, joining in with the banter and communicating. “It’s all good, they understand the team and what they’re here to do, they’re here to help the team. “And also understanding them on a human level as well, getting along well, so I’m looking forward to playing with them.” On whether a transfer is as exciting for a player as it is for fans, he added: “Yeah it always excites me, I’m still a fan myself. “I like transfers, I like seeing new people come to the club. Now that I’m in the first team environment, I just think it’s going to help the team really well so it’s a positive.” For Tella, the two additions of strikers Armstrong and Broja could be seen as direct competition, with the young forward advancing further up the pitch as he gets more and more gametime. Both are out-and-out strikers, while Tella is a bit more versatile in operating anywhere across the front four. Against Everton, the former Arsenal academy man was introduced in one of the winger roles, but admits he relishes in the challenge of battling for minutes: “That’s what I want, I like competition. “I think it will bring the best out of me, make me want to do more, work harder and show that I can do more. “As well as myself, it will be good for the defenders as if the attackers are training well every day they will have to train even better to stop us from scoring. “That will be good for the team because when it comes to the game they will have had that confidence that they can stop us training well or creating chances, so they can do that against opposition in the Premier League. “I think it will benefit the team. It’s looking good, yeah.”