#ManagerVsPlayer

JOE Aribo addressed rumours of dissent towards manager Ralph Hasenhuttl from the Saints dressing room, saying: “I’ve not heard anything from the boys, you see we’re working together as a team.” The 26-year-old summer arrival scored his first Premier League goal during the 2-2 draw with Leeds United on Saturday, which saw the St Mary’s side come from two down in the second-half. Aribo was one of three substitutes by boss Hasenhuttl that changed the game, although many felt the Austrian’s initial team selection was not positive enough. Earlier that week, reports emerged elsewhere of dissent and distrust from some of Hasenhuttl’s players – who, after a poor run of form last season, are said to be dissatisfied with his management. Hasenhuttl came out firing in his post-match press conference, saying: “When you know your team and the amount they’re investing every day to be competitive, then you know this is sh*t.” Aribo, speaking at full-time after the draw, was asked for his verdict – from inside the Saints dressing room – on the claims. “You see the boys fighting, you see they’re working together as a team and it all starts on the pitch,” the Nigerian international responded. “That’s what we’re going to do, we’re going to fight, keep pushing and we’ll see what we do.” Aribo continued: “To be fair, I have not heard anything about it. I’ve just been focussed, obviously I’ve just come in and I’ve not heard anything from the boys. “Like I said, I’ve not seen it, not heard anything. I have just come in, the boys have welcomed me and we’ve been working hard on the training field together. “Everyone is ready to go, ready to fight, you saw it in the second-half. Everyone is ready to work together and do our best for the team.” St Mary’s risked becoming a toxic place, going two goals down to Leeds in the second match of the Premier League season – following a heavy defeat in the opener. However, aside from isolated pockets of home support and jeers from the away contingency, the stadium got behind their team to see them out of a losing position. “The fans helped us so much, they were amazing and kept going even when we were 2-0 down,” Aribo insisted. “Then, we saw the fight from the boys, the spirit in the team to come back and get a result.” 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