Gavin Bazunu
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton’s Gavin Bazunu reveals being level headed in tough premier league moments #SAINTSFC

April 25, 2023
The Republic of Ireland international briefly reflects on his own performances in the mixed zone at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, during his debut Premier League season. Bazunu is only 21 years old but he has played every single minute of the league campaign following his summer move to St Mary’s from Manchester City. It is less than an hour since his side had shipped two goals in the last three minutes of regulation time to give up two valuable points in a 3-3 draw with the league leaders. READ MORE: The three big things to take away from Southampton's draw at Arsenal Bukayo Saka’s equaliser was tapped in from Bazunu’s initial parry into a central area – not the first time that has happened this season but the most forgivable given the speed of the initial shot. “It’s obviously the top league in the world and I’m a young goalkeeper but I relish every moment of it,” Bazunu told the Daily Echo. “I keep a level head about everything because It’s the only way you can get through it, you have to keep confidence in yourself. “I can’t speak on behalf of the other players but for myself, with all the minutes I’ve had and experiences good and bad, I’m taking every bit of it for these last few games.” All goalkeeping metrics point to the fact Saints could have done with a more viable number two option to offer competition to young Bazunu throughout this season. But the hope remains that the Irishman will be an improved product year-on-year, having never played above League One before the start of this term. What league the team will play in is still yet to be decided. Following Saturday’s Leicester City victory, even a win at Emirates Stadium would have kept Saints bottom. They remain four points from safety with six games to play and a visit from AFC Bournemouth - the team Bazunu's first clean sheet came against - is up next. “I think the immediate feeling is disappointment at not picking up all three points but going into Thursday there are so many positives we can take,” Bazunu admitted. “We have come to the league leaders and scored three goals, been ruthless and shown the fighting spirit that we did.” He added: “We scored some great goals and showed fight and desire but we need to be as ruthless in the remaining games. “We’ve now got to look at the performance we put in and take the positives into Thursday, we’ve got to be confident with our ruthlessness and spirit.” Much of that ruthlessness looks like it could be coming through 20 year old January signing Charly Alcaraz – who has already scored three in the Premier League. It was the Argentine who opened the scoring beyond Aaron Ramsdale and assisted with a splitting pass for Theo Walcott and the side’s second. “It’s great, all season we’ve been a great team in the attacking phase but we’ve just not taken our chances,” Bazunu said, when prompted on the youngster, who still does not speak English. “In other games, we have not had the luck fall our way. With the quality we have up front, we’ve been able to be more ruthless. “I think if we can gain this confidence and our attacking players can find that clinical edge we’ll have no problem in the remaining games this season."
Ruben Selles
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ruben Selles launches defence of goalkeeper Bazunu after defeat in Leeds fixture #SAINTSFC

February 26, 2023
The 21 year old shot-stopper has endured a tough first season in the Premier League having conceded 41 goals in 24 appearances – the most of any goalkeeper. On raw stats, Bazunu has by far the lowest expected goals prevented and the team’s two clean sheets is the fewest of any in the Premier League. Bazunu’s goalkeeping was called into question again during the 1-0 defeat at Leeds United, in a vital relegation six-pointer, as Junior Firpo’s shot squirmed through him. Some suggest Jan Bednarek was in his eyesight making the save more difficult, but the Pole had moved out of his way as much as possible. Bazunu is in his first season as a Premier League number one following a move from Manchester City in the summer. He had previously only played as high as League One with Portsmouth – where he was a standout performer – and needs time to reach his full potential as a keeper. "It's a goal that we all concede,” Selles said of the incident. "It's the main fault for me because I should be more gracious in the situation and give them more tools to solve the situations. Next time, we will try to be ready. "When we concede a goal it's not a Gavin problem or a centre-back problem, we concede the goal as a team. We should have removed those situations earlier in the game. We trust Gavin but we know we can lose a football match. The disappointing thing is we lost a little bit of our identity." Bazunu last week told the Daily Echo that he would not trade his first season’s experience for anything. Selles has now backed the youngster and insisted his mentality will carry him through difficult spells. "If you know Gavin, you know he's a very strong character and a strong personality,” the Spaniard said. "I have no doubt about him and I have no doubt about his personality to get over this. “It's true that he's the goalkeeper in Europe under 21 who has played the most minutes. It's true that we concede some goals and he was there when we conceded them as he's been number one all season. "But we need to remove those situations much earlier and it's not on one person. The mistake is in all of us. I know sometimes it looks like nobody takes responsibility, but the responsibility is my responsibility. So if somebody should be blamed for the goal then it is me."
Gavin Bazunu
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton FC’s Gavin Bazunu opens up on difficult ‘learning’ season #SAINTSFC

February 21, 2023
It wasn’t just that the 21-year-old - as of Monday - put in perhaps his most complete performance of the season against one of the league’s supposed elite. It wasn’t just that he made a crucial late save to deny Conor Gallagher and help his side keep their points. And it wasn’t just that he notched his second clean sheet of the season. It’s that he did all of that when Saints were at their most desperate, following a period fraught with collective - and personal - strife. When questions were asked of this entire Saints team and of Bazunu’s place in the side - and the league - the Republic of Ireland international stepped up in the only way he knows how: with calm assuredness and eye on whatever comes next. READ MORE: Fixtures confirmed for busy Saints April with FIVE of six games set for new times “I think it’s been difficult at times but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world," Bazunu told the Daily Echo of his first season in the Premier League.  "I’ve learned so much and I’m going to continue to learn. I think I always knew it was going to be like this, I knew it wasn’t going to be plain-sailing. "It’s the best league in the world, I’m coming in as a young goalkeeper, seeing these things for the first time and I think the most important thing is to not get caught up or get too disappointed about things and keep a level of confidence that I’m where I need to be and I just need to keep working hard.” Gavin Bazunu makes a save against Newcastle in the EFL Cup. (Image: PA) Saints spent upwards of £10m recruiting Bazunu from Manchester City this summer in part because of the immense talent he had already displayed on loan at Rochdale and Portsmouth. But also because of what he has the potential to become. And that potential is no doubt due to the way he thinks, not just what he shows on the pitch. Breaking into the Shamrock Rovers first team at the age of 15, Bazunu’s route to the top has been a lot longer than the age on his driving licence would lead you to believe possible. It’s this journey that’s helped Bazunu develop the mindset that makes everyone around him so confident he’ll reach the lofty heights expected of him. While he admits that he would have constantly replayed mistakes over in his mind earlier in his career, he’s managed to find focus as he’s gotten older. “I think that’s the whole reason I had the two loan spells at Rochdale and Portsmouth, to go out and gain that experience and learn what it’s like to make mistakes when points are needed," Bazunu explains. "Not just to have that experience on the pitch but to learn off the pitch how to move on from difficult games. That stood me well this season. Of course, there’s a bigger level of scrutiny playing in the Premier League but the processes are the same. "Once the game is gone, there’s nothing you can do. You can look back and try to learn from your mistakes but there’s nothing you can do to try and change the results - so you’ve just got to look forward to the next game.” Of course, Bazunu’s season has been far from perfect as he’s been part of a defence that has conceded in all but two Premier League games, letting in the third-most goals in the division. Mistakes from the youngster have cost his side. Equally, mistakes from his defence have cost him. Speaking on how he's dealt with the tough moments this season has provided, Bazunu said: “When times are tough and we were in a run of difficult results, I think the most important thing is to keep your circle small, listen to the people you care about and who want the best for you. They’re going to give you the advice you need to go forward. “To be honest, there’s no real magic words that people could say to stop you from feeling how you feel after difficult games or after making mistakes. There’s nothing anyone could say to make you feel better. "But there’s definitely people you can have around who will continue to point you in the right direction and continue to provide support. And to lean on those people when times are tough and trust their judgement, is the most important thing. “I’m not superhuman so your confidence will go up and down every now and again but I think the most important thing is to have people around you who will continue to allow you to stay as level as possible. Gavin Bazunu pictured in action against Brentford earlier this season (Image: PA) "This game is crazy, there’s going to be ups, there’s going to be downs. And to find that consistent level in between, I think the ones who can stay at those levels for the longest times are the ones who are the best.” When Bazunu arrived at St Mary’s as the club’s first signing of a busy and youthful summer rebuild, Ralph Hasenhuttl said it was no guarantee that he would start immediately ahead of the vastly more experienced Alex McCarthy. But an impressive pre-season saw Bazunu get the nod for the opening day’s fixture at Tottenham Hotspur and he’s started every Premier League game since, even as rumours swirled in the national media that Saints might be considering a change. “I don’t really look at those types of things and I wouldn’t be one to read into that too much,” Bazunu said of reports suggesting he could be dropped. “They’re from outside sources. In here, we have private conversations and we know where we stand. Every day I just go out onto the pitch to train as hard as I can and prove that I should be the one playing.” That faith in Bazunu - shown now by Hasenhuttl, Nathan Jones, and Ruben Selles - was rewarded with the fine performance he put in at Stamford Bridge. But Saints need consistency and that’s the new challenge. Not as if any of that is news to Bazunu. “There’s been a really good feeling and atmosphere around the training ground after a really good result. "But I think the most important thing is that we don’t get caught up in that one result and we make sure we work really hard this week to bring that consistency of performance and the level of performance that we showed and bring it into Saturday’s game.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals his demands to Mohammed Salisu and the player’s positive response #SAINTSFC

October 27, 2022
As Stuart Armstrong flew into the air, fist pumping in front of a sea of joyous Saints fans, Ralph Hasenhuttl and his coaching staff embraced. This was a goal that must have meant a lot to the Austrian. Not only was it an equaliser against the league-leaders, evidence of at least a (mini) corner potentially being turned, and the byproduct of a clever tactical shift on his part. But there was an added wrinkle that would have made him smile. READ MORE: Maitland-Niles opens up on start to life at Saints With the ball at Gavin Bazunu’s feet, Mohammed Salisu pulled out to the left flank and within 15 seconds of the Ghanaian receiving his goalkeeper’s pass, it was in the back of Arsenal’s net. Salisu’s contribution didn't go ignored by Saints fans; it was his pass sent in the direction of Joe Aribo that opened Arsenal up initially. But it would have meant a bit more to Hasenhuttl and the player himself after he had been challenged to improve with the ball in the week ahead of the game. After a highly impressive start to last season, Salisu struggled alongside his entire team over the final months of a campaign that ended in a bitter taste. The centre-back looked lost and unsure of himself at times, a shell of the confident upstart who had hounded Manchester City out of St Mary’s in January. But starting fresh this time around, Salisu has continued to deliver on last season’s promise with an impressive run of form. No doubt he has been aided by the accomplished partners alongside him in Armel Bella-Kotchap and now Duje Caleta-Car but he's been the constant in this defence. Outside of Bazunu, only James Ward-Prowse has played more minutes than Salisu this season. That said, he hasn’t yet done quite enough yet to satisfy his manager. “I see him against the ball very strong and with the ball still a lot of things to improve,” Hasenhuttl told to the Daily Echo ahead of the draw with Arsenal. “And he knows this. We are always demanding a lot and I think in the past, especially with the ball, I remember when we were flying in autumn last season he played unbelievably with the ball, always calm, using his right and his left leg and he’s not on this level at the moment. "We are always very critical with him and we have to push him so that he comes back to this level." Hasenhuttl did explain that this kind of demanding criticism is not unique to Salisu - simply the challenge to all at this level. “We don’t separate anybody," he continued. "We criticise the captain like the young player who comes up. Everybody needs to take it because we don’t do it to only jump on them, we want to help them become a better player. This is very important that we are honest with them and try to tell them what is not perfect and what we want to see.” The challenge directed at Salisu is large because of his importance to the team.  The centre-back ranks second behind only James Ward-Prowse in passes per game and much of Saints' play on the ball against Arsenal started with or was heavily influenced by Salisu. He has trended slightly downward this season in virtually all passing statistics but that is likely due to Saints as a team keeping less possession (42.9% vs 47.8%)   In terms of passes per game, Salisu has dropped from 45.75 to 41.28 while his forward passes have dropped from 22.76 to 19.64. Unsurprisingly, he is also receiving fewer passes than last season - 28.91 per game to 25.57. His passing accuracy has stayed almost exactly the same though, 84.4% this season and 84.2% last. Salisu had a bit more of the ball on Sunday when he attempted 48 passes, including 25 forward passes. Regardless of the specific numbers, it was another day when a sizable portion of the onus was placed on Salisu's ability with the ball; a central tenant of how Saints play and build attacks. The most common passing link against Arsenal was Bazunu to Salisu and the third-most-frequent was Salisu to Stuart Armstrong. Only Ward-Prowse played more passes than the central defender. The passing network below from the draw shows just how involved Salisu was in possession. His #22 dot has multiple thick lines shooting off of it and passes heading to a number of different teammates all over the pitch. It's this constant role on the ball that explains Hasenhuttl's criticism of the talented defender. If Saints are going to utilise him so much in their build-up play, then he can't just be average with the ball. He has to be excellent, fueled by calmness and bravery. Fortunately, that all came together in the 65th minute at St Mary's on Sunday. Salisu received the ball from Bazunu wide on the left flank with vacant space ahead... His first touch was positive, taking him into the open space and creating the opportunity for his second touch... ...which is a pass drilled in the direction of Joe Aribo... The Nigerian intelligently dummies the ball and Salisu's pass falls perfectly to the in-stride Romain Perraud. Suddenly, with one pass out from the back, Saints are running clear at a stretched Arsenal defence. Importantly, of course, the passage ends with the ball in the back of the Gunners' net. If Saints are going to put a rough start to the season behind them and build toward Premier League survival - or more - then they will need Salisu at his very best. He's already displayed the monstrous defender he can be for this team and on Sunday he flashed his potential on the ball as well - something his coaches have challenged him to do. This is the full package Mohammed Salisu that Saints need on a weekly basis. 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
Gavin Bazunu
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton ace Gavin Bazunu admits win against Bournemouth was ‘not pretty’ #SAINTSFC

October 21, 2022
JUST over a week ago, Gavin Bazunu told the Daily Echo that a first Premier League clean sheet was not at the forefront of his mind. The Republic of Ireland international has been focussing on improving the quality and consistency of his performances; already taking advantage of a level head at 20 years old. Now, 11 games into his Saints career since a summer move from Manchester City, he has been rewarded for their steady performances in the 1-0 win at AFC Bournemouth. “It’s a good feeling. It’s not just myself, it’s a collective achievement,” he tells us, speaking at Vitality Stadium. “We fought so hard. “Not just the back four or back five, every man fought for the win and the clean sheet as well so everyone deserves the plaudits for that.  Bazunu picked up his first Premier League clean sheet (Pic: Richard Crease) (Image: Richard Crease) “It’s all about fighting as a team, it’s not just one person. Everybody’s got to play their part and I feel like we did that today.” For all the more dynamic performances Saints have produced this season with little or no reward, Saints showed a different side in soaking up pressure without concession for over 30 minutes. Ralph Hasenhuttl faced questions from his own supporters in the stands mid-game when switching to a five-at-the-back so early against the Cherries – but they were themselves unbeaten in six. When you find yourself in the relegation zone, even if it is only 10 games into a season, you must find any way to climb immediately out. “It’s been a long time coming, it wasn’t pretty, but we fought hard as a team and really dug in until the end,” Bazunu added. “I think we needed a win by any means necessary and we got that. Sometimes it’s pretty, sometimes it’s ugly. Sometimes when it’s not going your way you have to dig in and fight and that’s exactly what we did today.” Bazunu was on hand to stop all three of Bournemouth’s shots on target but did need help from Mohammed Salisu to clear off the line in added time after the youngster had misjudged the flight of a corner. Salisu has been imperious this season (Pic: Richard Crease) (Image: Richard Crease) He continued: “It’s a brilliant feeling when we come back into the dressing room after everyone has given 100 per cent. From the lads who started to the lads who came on, it feels so much better when you get the rewards. “It’s a small celebration. It’s an important win but straight away the focus goes to the next game now. We’ve got to take this feeling that we’ve got now and use it as momentum to take into our next games.” The first shutout of the season came with Romeo Lavia and Armel Bella-Kotchap watching on from the stands in Dorset. Romeo Lavia and Armel Bella-Kotchap on hand to congratulate teammates. 🤝 #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/2lN6MluIm7 — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) October 19, 2022 Lavia, who is expected to return to training this week, has been out since August – but following Bella-Kotchap’s dislocated shoulder last Sunday, Hasenhuttl had to reshuffle the pack. Duje Caleta-Car came in for only his second start since a deadline day transfer from Marseille and rode out early struggles on Wednesday to become imperious alongside Salisu. “It can be difficult to change defences but we’ve trained with these players week in week out, we know what they’re like,” Bazunu reflected. “The players wouldn’t be here if they didn’t have the quality to play so we have trust in every player who comes in and puts on the shirt.”   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
Gavin Bazunu
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- New Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu reveals reasons for joining Saints and Portsmouth rivalry #SAINTSFC

June 18, 2022
NEW Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu insisted “I need to prove I’m ready to play” but is not shy to admit he made the St Mary’s move to find Premier League gametime. The 20-year-old shot-stopper has departed Manchester City on a permanent basis having never made a senior appearance for the club, but with a big reputation. The Republic of Ireland international has excelled on the world stage for country and in League One over two loan spells, including winning Portsmouth’s player of the year last season. He now links up with the Saints group permanently as replacement for the outgoing Fraser Forster, who joins Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer at the end of his contract this month. Read more  “The biggest thing is opportunity, that I can come here and fight for my place is probably the biggest thing,” Bazunu said, asked why he made the decision to leave the English champions. “To leave Manchester City was a big decision considering the size of the club and where they are, but it’s a brave and important one to make in my career. I want to continue the gametime I’ve been getting over the past two years and obviously I want to play. “The Premier League is the pinnacle, everybody wants to be here and like you said it doesn’t matter if I’m here but not playing as long as I’m here. I need to first of all prove that I’m ready to play, and if I get the opportunity I need to perform to keep my place.” Bazunu made 46 appearances for bitter rivals Pompey last season, and admits he knows about the hatred between the two Hampshire sides. However, he was respectful to his former loan home and labelled the supporters “brilliant”. “Yeah I know it’s a massive rivalry between two big clubs,” Bazunu added. “My time at Portsmouth was brilliant, I really enjoyed it and the fan base were brilliant. “They gave me a platform to go and play and without being there I wouldn’t have the opportunity to come here. Now I’m looking forward to hopefully playing in the Premier League.” Bazunu signed for Manchester City as a 16-year-old and is looking to keep himself at the forefront of the changing dynamic surrounding goalkeepers’ influence on the game. As a youth playing for Shamrock Rovers, Bazunu was insistent instead on playing as a left-wing and had to be persuaded to go in goal – perhaps that is why he is so good with his feet. “The game really is evolving in terms of how brave goalkeepers have to be and not just in the old sense of coming for crosses and being strong,” Bazunu said. “Decision making and the risks you have to take, the ability you have to have with the ball at your feet. It’s a side of the game I really enjoy, being creative. “Some people see goalkeepers as destroyers but to be creative is a really important part. You see the way so many teams are starting to play out, the goalkeepers start the attacks.” On his time at City, Bazunu added: “It was massive, I wasn’t there for the past two years but beforehand but it’s similar to Southampton – the big thing was the people. “It’s an amazing club in terms of all the people and how welcoming they are, I learned so much in my first year and that allowed me to have my two loan seasons.” 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