Ruben Selles
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton boss happy with Bedanrek stand-ins after Arsenal draw #SAINTSFC

April 27, 2023
The central defensive duo have found opportunities limited under Selles thus far with Caleta-Car starting once in the Premier League under the Spaniard while Lyanco is yet to earn a starting berth. But both defenders were called upon from the bench at Arsenal last Friday, Caleta-Car replacing Jan Bednarek after he suffered a concussion before Lyanco came on for Charly Alcaraz when Selles switched to a back five during the interval. And despite Saints conceding twice late on to draw 3-3 with the Gunners, Selles feels the two defenders have now proven they are able to step in when necessary. “Duje and Lyanco proved the centre-backs that they are and that they've been working hard for their opportunity,” Selles told the Daily Echo.  “They got it. If some of them need to start tomorrow or both of them if we change to a back five, then they are ready.  “I talk about players being able to make an impact on the game and it's not just words. You can see immediately, especially in the Arsenal game, how players like Lyanco who have not been used enough this season, he stepped in and does a fantastic job.  “Duje in the West Ham game and on Friday. I have no doubt any of them can play from the beginning.” After keeping three clean sheets in their first four league matches under Selles, Saints are without such a defensive rearguard in their last six.  The status of Bednarek remains up in the air ahead of Saints’ meeting with Bournemouth as the Polish international gets set to clear concussion protocols Wednesday night before he’s assessed on Thursday ahead of the game.
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Nathan Jones reveals telling conversation with Duje Caleta-Car ahead of B team day #SAINTSFC

February 4, 2023
NATHAN Jones revealed he held a conversation with Duje Caleta-Car ahead of his involvement with the B team on Friday, admitting he could have “come and sat on the bench at Brentford”. The 26-year-old has not featured for Saints since his red card in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final defeat to Newcastle United, sitting on the bench for the return to St James’ Park. Caleta-Car, who has experience in two other major leagues in Europe, has made 15 appearances for Saints since a deadline day move in August – only emerging as a key player in 2023. However, the Croatian international played 45 minutes for the under-21s side in a Premier League Cup victory over Sheffield United, just over 24 hours prior to a vital Premier League clash at Brentford. Asked if he sees Caleta-Car as important to his team, Jones told the Daily Echo: “I see them all, we wanted to get five so we can have the options. “I spoke to Duje this morning and said these are the reasons why. You can come and sit on the bench at Brentford and maybe not get any minutes and arrive Monday morning having missed two weeks of gametime,” he added. “Or we can go and do an hour in the B team, and that was the talk. It’s vital and the reason he played is because he is important. “It’s not that we don’t want him in the first team, it’s because he could play and be in a better place than he would be sitting on a bus, sitting in a hotel and watching Netflix. It’s a means to an end.” Saints travel to the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday, February 4, with the match versus the eight-game unbeaten side kicking off at 3PM. Jones did not rule out Caleta-Car from featuring.  Don't miss a moment with our Saints morning briefing email. A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article on the Daily Echo. Your support means we can bring you the latest breaking news, exclusive Saints features and coverage - and much more. Digital subscribers get unrestricted access to all of our stories, our dedicated app including e-version of the newspaper, and an advertising-light website. If you want all the latest articles delivered straight to your inbox you can join the thousands of subscribers who are signed up to our newsletters. They include our popular daily morning news briefing, breaking news, crime and court, and Southampton FC bulletins - plus business, heritage and our what's on newsletters.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhutt confirms deadline day signing of defender Duje Caleta-Car for Southampton #SAINTSFC

September 2, 2022
SAINTS have confirmed the signing of impressive Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car on a four-year deal, ahead of the summer transfer window closing today. The experienced 25-year-old centre-back Caleta-Car has played over 100 times in France’s top division and has almost 50 matches of experience across UEFA’s European competitions, including the Champions League. Caleta-Car had previously been linked to the likes of Liverpool and was said to have a deadline day move fall at the final hurdle last year. The former Red Bull Salzburg star was also part of Croatia’s squad that reached the World Cup final in 2018, and was said to have travelled to England today. After signing, Caleta-Car said: “It was really a crazy day. I’m very excited because I spoke with the coach, I think he is a good coach and of course the team – I watched them against Chelsea and in the games before. “I know the way they play, they have a lot of young players, so I think I can come good in the group and be with them every day, to progress with them together.” Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl added: “Duje is already a very established and experienced player, who has done an impressive job at his previous clubs. “He is a big presence on the pitch and he will bring even more quality into our centre-back group. It is important we have good depth and options in this position, and he gives us another very strong one.” 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