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.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals Lyanco injury comeback timeline and his overall game development #SAINTSFC

February 9, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl insists that he is sure Lyanco will “come back even stronger” after the defender has impressed the boss with strides already made since arriving at St Mary’s. The 25-year-old Brazilian looks set to spend between eight and 12 weeks on the sidelines following the “very serious” hamstring tendon injury that he picked up in the FA Cup clash with Coventry City. The concern is of the same nature that kept fellow centre-back Jack Stephens out between mid-September and mid-December, after he sustained that during the 0-0 draw at Manchester City. In an absolute worst-case scenario, it could keep him out until Saints near the end of their Premier League season. Lyanco was pictured on crutches after the FA Cup clash last weekend (Pic: Stuart Martin) It’s a big blow for the popular summer arrival, who has battled from a shaky start at Sheffield United in the EFL Cup and waiting to the end of November for a Premier League start to appearing in 11 consecutive league matches for Saints when available. He only missed out in the West Ham and Spurs festive fixtures due to a positive COVID test. Speaking on Lyanco’s injury, Hasenhuttl clarified: “(12 weeks is) the biggest range, like Jack Stephens I think he needed eight weeks to be then back fully fit. Jack Stephens' injury at Etihad Stadium (Pic: PA) “I’m always a positive thinking manager.” At this stage of his English career, every game would have been one of rich development for Lyanco. Even if he was back by just eight weeks in the best case, the former Torino man would still have missed nine fixtures including the FA Cup fifth round versus West Ham. “For me it was very, very nice to see how much he developed his game since he was here,” Hasenhuttl continued. “When he was coming here, especially with the ball he had some deficits but he is getting better and better. More calm, more composed. “We want to play football in some moments, we need to have centre-backs that find the red zone and are calm in possession and this is what he has learned, very quickly I must say, made big steps forward.” Over a month after his debut at Bramall Lane, Lyanco impressed supporters with a much more composed performance during the 1-1 draw at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge in the next cup round. Lyanco was booked on his debut at Sheffield United (Pic: PA) It was that weekend where he was given his Premier League debut as a late substitute at Watford, and he has since appeared in every league match he has been available for. The Austrian continued: “He is physically a very good guy and the injury he got now was a very, very strange situation where he was pulled back and he couldn’t handle it so it was a bad step he made and was the reason why he got such a bad hamstring injury. His first FA Cup appearance ended with disappointment (Pic: PA) “But now I love his character, I love his way, how he behaves in the team. Everyone loves him in the club and this is the type of character and player that fits perfectly to us. “I’m very happy from the development I have seen so far and I’m sure he will come back even stronger.” Another factor that makes the loss a blow for Hasenhuttl is that Lyanco is adept in five-at-the-back defensive shapes as well as traditional fours, which the Austrian has this year liked to experiment with. His injury leaves Saints with three recognised senior centre-backs in Stephens, Mohammed Salisu, Jan Bednarek. Lyanco out on crutches but smiling. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/90eiZV4pnG — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) February 5, 2022 Yan Valery has also been operating as a central-defender and it looks certain that he will now play the role of one of the four required centre-backs in Hasenhuttl’s squad. Youngster Dynel Simeu, who was in the matchday squad for Saints’ first-team while they were short on numbers over the festive period and January, is now out on loan at Carlisle United for the remainder of the campaign.
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 admits Lyanco endured hard lesson against Liverpool after Saints hammering #SAINTSFC

November 29, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl admits the Liverpool hammering was a harsh lesson for Lyanco to endure on his first league start for Saints, but insisted: “This is the Premier League, you have to learn.”  The 24-year-old Brazilian made his first Premier League appearances as a substitute in the 1-0 wins over Watford and Aston Villa, playing a more integral role in the latter. He was then introduced again in a similar manner at Norwich, with Hasenhuttl changing to a five-at-the-back unsuccessfully on that occasion, and earned his first start at Anfield as the boss did the same thing. But it was as difficult as it could get for the summer signing with an eventual 4-0 defeat against the former Premier League and European champions – while he was also unfortunate to see Thiago’s strike deflect off him and into the net to all-but seal it in the first-half. it didn't end here… we continue with work and goals !!!! let's go SAINTS, thank you fans! ❤️🤍💪🏿👊🏿🔥🦍 @SouthamptonFC pic.twitter.com/Om1B4k6bFG — Lyanco Vojnovic (@Lyanco) November 27, 2021 Each of the Saints defenders were powerless to resist the quality of Liverpool’s world class front three, and Hasenhuttl was asked if it was the toughest lesson Lyanco could get on his first start. The boss told the Daily Echo: “Yes, this is the Premier League, you know. “You know that you play against the best teams in the world and you have to learn. You have to get better.” He continued: “This is what we all are doing every week, learning and finding solutions against top teams is always difficult. “This is not a place where you have to get points, we have taken one at Manchester City with an unbelievable performance and also at Chelsea we were long on the way to take something. “On Saturday it was very easy for them because we had a bad first-half and this was very disappointing that we couldn’t keep the game open for longer.” Popular Lyanco had done well to show fans his promise despite a shaky start, when he struggled immensely on his debut at Sheffield United in the EFL Cup. Lyanco arrived from Serie A side Torino in the summer having in the past captained Brazil at under-23 level. He was brought in as a replacement for Jannik Vestergaard, who joined Ryan Bertrand in moving to FA Cup winners Leicester. Defender Jack Stephens is on his way back from injury and will soon hope to provide further reinforcements in the centre of defence.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl heaps praise on Lyanco after another clean sheet #SAINTSFC

November 7, 2021
BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl heaped praise on Saints’ summer signing Lyanco and added: “This is exactly the kind of player we want in our team.” The Brazilian centre-back impressed having come on as a second-half substitute, replacing Stuart Armstrong after 56 minutes of Friday’s 1-0 victory over Aston Villa. “This guy is a fantastic character,” said Hasenhuttl, when speaking to the Daily Echo about the former Torino man. “You see how he was celebrating his first Premier League game and now again he is happy, you know how much it means to him to play for us. “This is exactly the kind of player we want in our team.” Lyanco is yet to concede a goal in two Premier League appearances, having come off the bench in wins against Watford and Villa. Speaking about the defence as a whole, Hasenhuttl added: “I’m happy for them that they get a clean sheet, the sixth of the season. “Defensively we have more alternatives for this position and this makes us definitely stronger and we are more solid, more organised. “This is nice for us for sure.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl gives verdict on #Lyanco Southampton debut #SAINTSFC

September 25, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl has given his verdict on Saints debutant Lyanco, who was subbed in the second-half, admitting: “I got what I expected to get, in some moments he showed quality, in others he showed he needs to adapt.” The 24-year-old centre-back was handed his first start on the road trip to Championship Sheffield United in the EFL Cup, but found it a tricky contest to walk into. The Brazilian has showed passion and a desire to play for Saints on social media and has cut himself a popular figure as a result, but showed that he has plenty to learn after giving the ball away under no pressure for a Blades goal, and then getting a booking later in the affair. Saints came through after a penalty shootout and will now face Chelsea in the last 16 of the competition, but with Jack Stephens’ long-term injury Hasenhuttl’s side could be stretched at the back – particularly if Lyanco isn’t quite ready yet. Read more Ralph Hasenhuttl gives Southampton team news ahead of Wolves Saints have collapsed in their last two meetings with Wolves at St Mary's Tino Livramento reflects on Southampton start, Man United Speaking ahead of Wolves’ visit on Sunday, Hasenhuttl said: “It was a perfect game for him to step into the team against a Championship club. “I got what I expected to get to be honest, in some moments he showed his qualities and in some he showed he needs to adapt to the game here a little bit more. “This is also normal for me, in the end we know what we have signed there and we will give him all the time he needs to develop himself. a very difficult debut, hard game. keep working… thanks to all the fans, it was wonderful to wear this shirt! I will always give my life for this team. we are classified!!! @SouthamptonFC 🦍🙌🏼💙💛 pic.twitter.com/R5sBn2BCK4 — Lyanco Vojnovic (@Lyanco) September 22, 2021 “He does it in every session, he's a good lad, very good character, his English must improve a little bit more that is very important as you need to organise yourself and the players around you. “The time he will get and it is important he steps up quickly, he knows that the first game was not perfect for him but yeah this is, as I always say, a long-term project.” Lyanco signed for Saints during the summer window after the exit of Danish international Jannik Vestergaard, who moved to FA Cup winners Leicester City. The former Brazil youth international has become more accustomed to playing in a central-defensive trio over his recent career, after spending time with Torino in Italy's Serie A.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl delivers verdict on #Lyanco Saints debut #SAINTSFC

September 22, 2021
BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted new recruit Lyanco “still has to learn” more about playing at Saints after he made his first appearance for the club at Sheffield United. The Brazilian centre-half, signed for a reported £6.7million from Torino in the summer, endured a difficult debut in the 2-2 Carabao Cup contest at Bramall Lane. The 24-year-old was booked for tussling with Oli McBurnie in the first half in south Yorkshire, before giving away the ball prior to the Blades’ second goal. He was eventually replaced by Jan Bednarek after 74 minutes. Asked about the defender’s debut, Hasenhuttl said: “We spoke before the game that this was a very good start for him, a very good game for him to be honest. “We knew it would be tough and physical and emotional and this I think is a good start for him to get a feeling about English football. This is what he has to learn.” He added: “I mean he is a fantastic character, a really good guy. He is learning English now. I think his English is not the best so far but we have Ori (Romeu) who helps us with the translation. “He learns and he is understanding more and more but it will take time before he understands everything that we want to do. “He showed sometimes some qualities but still has to learn what we want to do, especially his game with the ball can be a little more calmer but yes, this is the thing we have.” Saints went on to triumph 4-2 on penalties against the Blades to book their place in the next round of the competition.
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #OriolRomeu is helping #Lyanco settle into life at Saints #SAINSTFC

September 15, 2021
MIDFIELDER Oriol Romeu insisted he would do everything he could to help new arrival Lyanco settle in at Saints – including trying to find him a hairdresser! The Brazilian centre-back arrived at St Mary’s from Torino last month, in a deal worth a reported £6.4million. Ralph Hasenhuttl has described the centre-back as a “long-term project”, as he looks to integrate into a new squad and surroundings. And having helped translate messages from Spanish and Italian for the 24-year-old, Romeu insisted he would be a “good addition”. Quizzed on working with Lyanco last week, Romeu told the Daily Echo: “I’m trying to help him with everything because he speaks Spanish, he is good and fluent in Spanish and also speaks Italian. He speaks Portuguese. “He is not yet ready for English but he is doing lessons and trying to get there as soon as he can. “Overall he looks great. He’s a young lad also willing to do well in this country, willing to do well for this club. He’s big, strong, good on the ball and I think it’s a good addition. “We all hope that he can do well, he can feel comfortable. “Now we try to sort things out, we were trying to get a hairdresser this afternoon for him because he wants to cut his hair! “That’s the type of things you need to do from them sometimes. Whatever they need to make them feel comfortable is the main thing.” Romeu himself had to make his way in English football, having made the move from Barcelona to Chelsea under Andre Villas-Boas in July 2011. Since then, he has gone on to make 206 appearances in the top-flight, having joined Saints in the summer of 2015. “Nowadays you’ve got bigger department in the player liaison side,” said the Ulldecona-born ace, who has started every league game for Saints this campaign. “But as he (Lyanco) doesn’t speak any English, he needs some extra help. “It’s more the common things, the daily things he needs help. “We are here, we more or less know what he needs, more or less know how we can help him and that’s what we are trying to do.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories – #RalphHasenhuttl reveals his admiration for new signing #Lyanco #SaintsFC

September 10, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl eases early expectations on big character and “long-term project” Lyanco, and insists: “He will definitely make a lot of games with us, a good signing for the future.” The 24-year-old Brazilian centre-back arrived from Italian Serie A side Torino towards the end of the summer transfer window, in place of Jannik Vestergaard, but don’t necessarily expect to see him in immediate action. He has already looked to make himself a fan favourite with regular social media posts of him enjoying life at his new club, although supporters will want to see his passion matched by on-pitch performances. Saints manager Hasenhuttl has so far opted for Jack Stephens and Mohammed Salisu as his two centre-back positions, while Jan Bednarek has been reduced to an appearance from the substitutes bench. Read more  Hasenhuttl: Theo Walcott and Stuart Armstrong out West Ham Ralph Hasenhuttl opens up on strict transfer policy under Gao Ralph Hasenhuttl concerned amid international quarantines Asked about new-boy Lyanco ahead of the West Ham contest up next in the Premier League, Hasenhuttl said: “Yeah, I mean as always for us new signings are long-term projects and that’s what I told him. “His English is not the best so far, he has to learn it. But he is willing to learn and all the rest he has to learn, he will. Very good character and yeah, big personality and very happy to have him here. “Ori is at the moment our translator, my Italian is not that good but I try to speak with him, especially in a football business there is some words I don’t know. preparative 🙏🏼🦍❤️🤍 @SouthamptonFC pic.twitter.com/AFg8hLcymF — Lyanco Vojnovic (@Lyanco) September 8, 2021 “But yeah he will learn English and he will definitely make a lot of games with us, a good signing for the future.” Lyanco made 23 appearances in Italy’s top-flight last season, with his last match coming in a 0-7 demolition at home to AC Milan in May. He has experience playing in a central-defensive trio at Torino and after Hasenhuttl switched to a similar shape during the Manchester United draw, perhaps when the Austrian boss next opts to move to that formation will be when Lyanco gets some action in a Saints shirt.