Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Moi Elyounoussi confirms Southampton exit at end of his contract #SaintsFC

June 14, 2023
The 28 year old had been in discussions about a new deal over the course of the year but the two parties will break completely.  Norwegian international Elyounoussi, who made 33 Premier League appearances as his side were relegated this season, played 90 times for Saints between 2018-2023. Theo Walcott had already confirmed his contract expiry while Elyounoussi has now revealed to media in his native country that he will also depart the South Coast. READ MORE: Managers love him and supporters... don't The curious case of Moi Elyounoussi "I'm done. We've agreed on that. The contract expires at the end of June, and then I'm a Bosman player (out of contract)," he told TV2. Your @PFA Community Champions 🏆Recognising Kayla Rendell and Moi Elyounoussi for their support of our work this season ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3r8qw8j8KJ — Saints Foundation (@SFC_Foundation) June 6, 2023 "We looked at the whole situation. It's been a troubled season. Many replacements. I'm glad we waited and looked at the situation first. Then maybe it was just as well to stand again as a Bosman player in the end.” He added: “It was surprisingly emotional. Maybe not right away, but afterwards in the locker room. I made a little speech. “There's something about being there for so long, sharing that dressing room with so many players, staff and people who have worked there for so long. I became sensitive, that is. I didn't think so. Life goes on, I've changed clubs before, but it was special. "I got an award as the player who has contributed the most off the pitch in the community at Southampton, visiting schools, going to volunteers and stuff like that. I appreciated that. It almost means more than what happens on the field. I was grateful for that," Elyounoussi added. Elyounoussi was given an opportunity to say goodbye to supporters when he was substituted during the 4-4 draw with Liverpool on the final day of the season. After Roberto Firmino, who was confirmed as leaving the Reds, was awarded an ovation by both sets of fans, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson tried to usher Elyounoussi off the pitch during his. “He came over and apologised. He said he didn't know what the occasion was,” Elyounoussi explained. “We clapped for Roberto Firmino when he stepped down in what was also his last Liverpool game. Henderson didn't know it applied to me too, so he apologised afterwards.”
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton ace Mohammed Elyounoussi insists there is ‘no question’ they can still survive #SAINTSFC

February 28, 2023
The Norwegian international remains confident despite admitting the match at Leeds United – in which Saints were beaten 1-0 – was “a big” occasion. Junior Firpo scored the only goal of the clash, which Saints legend Matt Le Tissier told the Daily Echo was a “proverbial six-pointer” last week, to leave the St Mary’s side rooted to the bottom. Ruben Selles must lead his charges from four points adrift if they are to survive after losing to the team in 19th and directly above them for the third time in 2023. READ MORE: Saints reportedly tracking Aberdeen forward after breakout debut season Prior defeats versus relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and Wolves under former boss Nathan Jones had already made the task a mammoth one in the club’s 11th consecutive top-flight campaign. Speaking to the Daily Echo, Elyounoussi said: “It’s disappointing, obviously. Disappointing from our point of view, obviously. I think it was a typical game, you could see two teams or two clubs fighting to stay in the Premier League. “Two teams who are breaking down the rhythm for each other. We couldn't really find a rhythm or composure with the ball, I think in the second half we looked better and then again they broke it and we did the same for them. So there weren't a lot of chances. And then when they did score it was soft from us.” Asked directly by the Daily Echo if he thinks Saints can still survive despite the costly concession in Yorkshire, Elyounoussi responded: “Absolutely, yeah, no question about it. “I strongly believe that with the squad we have, with the staff we have, I think we can do it. With the fans behind us, hopefully, they push us even more next weekend. “I think we're in the game the whole time. It’s always one goal deciding it, even if it’s our side,” he added, knowing it was the 10th time Saints have lost by the odd goal in the league this season.   “The only way to get those margins on our side is by earning it, we're there for every inch. It starts with the duels and our aggression and intensity without the ball, then a bit more composed with the ball when we have it. The only way to do it is by sticking together, now more than ever.” The defeat spoiled manager Selles’s first match as the permanent successor to Jones and, by extension, his own former boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, having been appointed on Friday. Although Saints did defeat Chelsea in his game as interim, it is the third manager this season to fall foul of the same patterns of destruction. Elyounoussi insists the players take full responsibility. “We always do. I mean really, we always look at ourselves in the mirror. Me included. I am always looking at myself and asking what I could do better, before looking around us and the manager,” he said. “Ruben has come in and shown a lot of passion, and dedication. I think preparation was good but we couldn't put it out there, what we worked on, I think we could do a bit more. The occasion was a big one, but there are plenty more games to play. Next week is going to be huge as well.” Don't miss a moment with our Saints morning briefing email.
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Nathan Jones reveals Southampton midfielder Moi Elyounoussi has been playing through pain #SAINTSFC

January 16, 2023
NATHAN Jones revealed Saints midfielder Moi Elyounoussi has been playing through pain to make himself available for selection. The Norwegian international has started each of the last 10 Premier League games for the club, and has only been rested twice in all competitions under Jones’s stewardship. Elyounoussi’s versatility sees him deployed wherever the manager needs him, while his attitude and demeanour have been positively noted by multiple members of the club. His latest start came in the 2-1 victory at Everton’s Goodison Park, in which Elyounoussi played as many as three positions before making way in the 85th minute. READ MORE: Luton manager admits Saints target Bree could make move And asked just how useful it is to have a player like the 28-year-old, Jones responded: “It’s always good to have a versatile player. “He played wide left for Norway, he has played for me as a six, he has played as a wide man and he even played as wing-back against Liverpool. “It’s important to have someone you can trust and trust to do a certain job. They might not be as fluent as someone else, but while we’re finding our way, he’s been vital.” Jones added: “He’s been playing through pain in his knee and he had strapping on it today but he shows real character because not everybody does that. I don’t mean at Southampton, in the world. Moi has been fantastic for me.” Elyounoussi’s Saints contract is due to expire at the end of the season but the manager has already revealed he wants him to stay. “That will be dealt with internally, but I would like him to be here at the club for a lot longer,” Jones said. Elyounoussi has played 74 times for Saints, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists, while he also spent two seasons on loan at Celtic before a 2021 return. 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.
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Moi Elyounoussi reveals excitement to play tough friendly against teams like RB Leipzig #SAINTSFC

July 17, 2022
MOI Elyounoussi insisted Saints performed well “against a good team” but will have learned “things we can do better” in a 3-1 defeat to RB Leipzig. The Norwegian international started and played the first 60 minutes for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, before the Austrian made 10 changes to his outfield setup. It was not until the 10 substitutions had been made that Saints made their breakthrough, through Adam Armstrong, but it was important minutes for Elyounoussi alongside Nathan Tella and new signing Joe Aribo. Giving his verdict to the club website after the match, Elyounoussi said: “It was good from the boys, for everyone to get some minutes. “We’ve been working on some patterns offensively, defensively as well and it was a good test against a good team who definitely tested some of the things we’re working on, so in the end, a good 60 minutes in the tank. “I think we did a good game, against a good team, and for sure some tips we’re going to look at, things we can do better, things we can improve on and things we did well but can improve on as well. In the end, the boys liked it, a good challenge, and for the boys who came on it was a good 45-60 minutes.” After defeat to the Champions League regulars, Saints are set to face Austrian Bundesliga side SKA Klagenfurt to end their trip abroad on Monday, July 18. “You can train as much as you want but you need to get it on the pitch against an opposition that can challenge you with the things you’ve been working on so that’s a good thing,” Elyounoussi added. “We have a lot of good opponents we’re going to play against that will challenge the things we’re working on. We’re looking forward to the next one, so far, so good.” 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
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl confirms Mohammed Elyounoussi planning to remain with Southampton on long term #SAINTSFC

July 7, 2022
SAINTS attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi is closing in on a new “long-term” contract to keep him at Southampton for the foreseeable future, sources have told the Daily Echo. The Norwegian international has just 12 months left on his current deal but talks between his representatives and the club have ramped up in recent weeks and both sides are understood to be confident a positive resolution will arrive soon.  It is believed the contract will be for three to four years, with the exact length one of the details that still needs finalising.  READ MORE: What Saints fans can expect from wonderkid Romeo Lavia There is confidence on all sides though that it is just a matter of time before the extension is sealed. It’s understood that Southampton see Elyounoussi as a crucial member of Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad while the player himself feels valued and would like to continue his career on the South Coast.  Elyounoussi joined Southampton in the summer of 2018 for a fee of around £16m but he made just 16 league appearances in his maiden campaign before departing for Celtic on loan. Flashes of his talent in Scotland saw that temporary stay extended for another year before the 27-year-old returned to St Mary’s last summer. After sitting on the bench for the first two games of the season, Elyounoussi started in the third at Newcastle and became a near ever-present in Hasenhuttl's side after that. He ended the campaign with 33 appearances in all competitions, including 16 in his side’s final 17 matches. Elyounoussi in action for Saints this season. Image by: Stuart Martin Four goals and two assists is not the most enthralling return from all those minutes but it’s clear Hasenhuttl sees Elyounoussi as a crucial component of his squad. A hard-worker and capable of moving inside when Saints’ marauding full-backs fly up the wing, the Moroccan-born forward should continue to have a sizable role heading into the new season. “I think this loan time definitely helped him to make the next step in his development,” Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo in February. “It was important for him to get game time there (at Celtic) – it was always a problem here in the beginning. “It is always tough when you are coming into a new team, then the team is not performing well and you are a little bit under the radar and don’t get a chance to play a lot. “So, I think he needed this time and we were always following him, looking how he developed his game and it was for me, in the summer, a very clear decision to say ‘I want him back in this team’. READ MORE: No Saints bid for Broja despite reports “Immediately in the pre-season I saw he could give me a lot, what I want to have in this position. He is a smart player, he can score goals, he is running a lot, covers a lot of distance and is disciplined in the defence. “He is a quick learner and he learned to be more resilient in the Premier League. This is what you have to be, because it’s tough – it is physically a tough league. When you learn to do this, then the package is a good one and I think meanwhile, he showed he is a good package.” "I've always said I thrive in Southampton, it's a fantastic club,” Elyounoussi told Norwegian outlet TV2 last month.  “The family thrives well. We'll see what we land on.” Set to turn 28 before the start of the 2022/23 season, a three/four year contract would keep Elyounoussi at the club past his 30th birthday.  Recently on international duty with Norway, Elyounoussi joined his Saints teammates at Staplewood this week for pre-season preperations ahead of their upcoming trip to Austria. With just under a month until Southampton travel to North London to face Tottenham in the opening game of the season, the club have been busy reinforcing the squad that limped to the finish line last spring. Thus far Gavin Bazunu, Mateusz Lis, Armel Bela-Kotchap and Romeo Lavia have signed while a deal for Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo is believed to be close. Moussa Djenepo, Theo Walcott and Nathan Redmond could all still depart should suitable permanent or loan moves be found but Elyounoussi is set to stay with a new deal reinforcing his and the club's commitment to each other. 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
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Mohammed Elyounoussi on his equaliser against Swansea in FA Cup #SAINTSFC

January 11, 2022
MOI Elyounoussi certainly picked the right moment to score during Saints’ FA Cup victory – with his equaliser immediately pouring cold water over Swansea’s second goal. Although they had only 10 men after Yan Valery was dismissed on the 30-minute mark, Saints had looked comfortable throughout the tie. Despite the game being forced into extra-time, the Hampshire side still looked confident. However, it was feared that momentum had swung the other way when Swans took the lead in the 95th minute. But those fears were quickly quashed when substitutes Elyounoussi and Long combined less than a minute later to level the tie once more. Speaking to the Daily Echo, Elyounoussi commented: “It was absolutely crucial to score as soon as possible after they scored. “We knew that we were a man down, we had nothing to lose. “We had to try and get the equaliser as soon as possible, and we did that in the best possible way.” Elyounoussi and Long were introduced right after Swansea had equalised in regulation time, with the pair watching the hosts score as they stood waiting at the half-way line to come on. The Norwegian international conceded that it wasn’t the best time to come on, stating: “I came in right after they equalised, it wasn’t how I imagined it when we were 1-0 up and I thought maybe this was the chance to see it out, get a few counter attacks. “It made it even more difficult of course. “But I think we showed character. “We showed strong belief in what we are doing, and adapted as well. It was a good win in the end.” Saints now know their reward for beating Swansea – a draw at home to another Championship side, Coventry City.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals why Elyounoussi and Diallo did not feature in Liverpool clash #SAINTSFC

November 28, 2021
BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed both Mohamed Elyounoussi and Ibrahima Diallo were ruled out at late notice before Saints’ tame 4-0 defeat at Liverpool. The Austrian manager saw his side thumped at Anfield, thanks to a double from Diogo Jota as well as goals from Thiago and Virgil van Dijk. Norwegian forward Elyounoussi was ruled out of Saints’ line-up with his partner due to give birth, while Diallo was an unused substitute due to an ankle problem. The Saints boss said: “We tried something during the week but Ibra was suddenly then out, he couldn’t play. “He twisted his ankle and he couldn’t play. “Moi was staying at home because his wife was having a baby and he had to stay home.” Liverpool opened the scoring through Jota after just two minutes on Merseyside. And the Reds did not look back to ensure a comfortable success. Saints have now suffered back-to-back top-flight defeats, having lost 2-1 away at Norwich last weekend. They host Leicester at St Mary’s on Wednesday.
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories-Southampton’s Mohamed Elyounoussi reveals how Celtic loan helped him ‘grow as a human’ #SAINTSFC

November 13, 2021
MOHAMED Elyounoussi explained how he has had to "adapt to the physical part of the game" to make a success of himself in British football. The 27-year-old, who joined Saints in 2018 from Basel, is looking to help Norway qualify for next year's World Cup by winning two crunch qualifiers over the next few days. Stale Solbakken's men currently sit second in their qualification group, two points behind Holland, who they face on Tuesday evening. Before that, Norway host Latvia tomorrow (5pm). And, after his stellar form for Saints this season, Elyounoussi will be expected to feature, especially having already scored three goals during this qualification campaign. It has not been all smooth sailing for the Morocco-born talent since joining Saints. After finding game-time hard to come by, Elyounoussi was shipped out on loan to Celtic for two years. During his time north of the border, Elyounoussi won the domestic treble in the curtailed 2019-20 campaign, eventually leaving having scored 25 goals in 68 appearances. He impressed suitably enough to be welcomed back into Ralph Hasenhuttl's Saints side this summer and has proven a key figure in the club's attack, currently sitting joint top of their goalscoring charts with four, level with striker Armando Broja. Comparing his time in Scotland to the Premier League, Elyounoussi told the Daily Echo: "The Premier League is the best league in the world, but I would say from a physical point of view, it’s a lot similar. "I came from the Swiss league which was much more playing on the ground, playing football, that technical aspect was much more important than physically – there was not a lot of challenges. “I had to adapt to that in the Premier League and I think the best way was, when I didn’t play much here, to go to the Scottish league and to Celtic. “I had to adapt to the physical part of the game. I think I did that quite well at Celtic, I played a lot of games as a striker against big, tall defenders, so I had to hold the ball. “That was something I wasn’t used to but I learned how to do it. At some point in my time there I was a target man, playing up to me! Even on the corners, I was the main man, the main target. “It shows I have developed that part of the game from my side, especially all the European games have been really good for me – playing against all the bigger clubs in Europe especially for the confidence. It’s all about confidence." Asked if he feels a better all-round player now after his two years away in Scotland, Elyounoussi added: "Even though when I was in Basel, we played in the Champions League and we played against good teams, there wasn’t a lot of challenges where you have to go into 50-50 duels. “Now I feel like I’m more comfortable going in, much more comfortable to shield the ball. It was new to me, I had to adapt to that. “In general, it was a really good experience to go to Celtic. A huge club, amazing fans and I tried to find myself back to where I was before I came to Southampton. “I have grown as a player and as a human being, being there over the two years. “I have learned a lot about myself, had family and friends around me being very supportive and helpful. It has been a good experience for me."
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #MohamedElyounoussi reflects on fond memories at Manchester City #MCFC #SAINSTFC

September 18, 2021
MOHAMED Elyounoussi insisted Saints needed to be “strong” when they visit Manchester City tomorrow (3pm) – having previously made an impact himself at Etihad Stadium. The Norwegian forward registered a goal and an assist during a Champions League last-16 tie against Pep Guardiola’s side, for FC Basel back in March 2018. City won the tie 5-2 on aggregate, but it did not stop Elyounoussi’s former club sealing a 2-1 success in England. "Yeah, I have had good experience there before in the Champions League with Basel,” said the Saints winger, who arrived on the south coast just four months after scoring at City. “I didn't touch the ball a lot, but the few times when I did, it was good.” Saints are still yet to win in the Premier League this season, with three points from their opening four league outings. The 27-year-old added: "It will be about being defensively strong and disciplined, because of course they are one of the best teams in the world and they are used to playing against teams who make it difficult for them, so they are used to breaking teams down. "But we need to be strong, have a good game plan and hopefully we can have a good result there."
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #MoiElyounoussi dreamt of returning to Saints from Celtic #SAINTSFC

September 6, 2021
MOI Elyounoussi insists he always hoped he could return from Celtic and make an impact at Saints, believing he and the club can be "the perfect match". Elyounoussi has enjoyed a resurgence at Saints this season, after two seasons out on loan. The Norway international arrived on the south coast from FC Basel for a fee of around £16million in 2018, penning a five-year contract. However, after making 16 appearances and scoring no goals in his debut campaign, Elyounoussi was sent out on loan to Scottish giants Celtic. He enjoyed success north of the border, winning the domestic treble in his first season, which was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Still not in Saints' plans, Elyounoussi returned to Parkhead for a second spell in 2020-21, with his time at the Bhoys eventually ending having netted 25 goals in 68 appearances. He returned to Ralph Hasenhuttl's Saints squad for pre-season and, after watching on from the bench for the first two matches, grabbed his opportunity in the Carabao Cup with a hat-trick in an 8-0 win over Newport County. The 27-year-old followed that up with a goal in his first Premier League appearance in over two years, starting the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United last time out. Elyounoussi has since taken his form to the international stage, netting for Norway during Saturday's 2-0 win in Latvia. Discussing his return to the Saints squad this season, Elyounoussi told the Daily Echo: "I have to be honest, that was my dream, to come back and to prove everyone wrong. "But at the same time, I had other offers. I had other opportunities to go and play week in, week out. "That was also in my mind if it doesn’t work. But after the two first games when I sat on the bench, I felt determined to come back, as soon as I get the opportunity I will show him (Hasenhuttl) that I deserve to play. "So I’m really happy that he put the trust in me and that I can pay him back for that." He added: "There were a lot of different reasons why it didn’t work first time. "So I just want to show why the club brought me in in the first place. "It’s still early days, I’m going to keep working hard, keep getting better and try to help the team as much as I can." During Elyounoussi's first season at Saints, the club underwent a change of management with Hasenhuttl brought in to replace Mark Hughes. The Austrian successfully steered the club to Premier League safety, but Elyounoussi's opportunities in the latter months were limited. Discussing the Morocco-born forward last month, Hasenhuttl said: "I know that he’s a fantastic footballer. "Meanwhile, we also play a little bit more football (now). That definitely helps him to be a better part of this team. "When I came here we had more to do with our work against the ball and we hadn’t been so far with our development with the ball. "But I think he has his biggest qualities with the ball and this is the reason why we need him." Asked if he feels he now fits in better at Saints than when he was last here, Elyounoussi said: "Yeah, I remember when he (Hasenhuttl) came in we changed the system to 3-5-2 without any wingers, so I didn’t have any position really. "It’s like he said as well, he was not focusing on what we were going to do with the ball, it was mainly without the ball. "For myself, I think I’m strong defensively anyway, without the ball as well. I think I’ve shown him that this pre-season and he knows he can rely on me defensively as well, not only offensively. "But with the ball we try to play more football, I get into pockets, that’s what I’m strong at, get the ball, turn and carry it, combination play with the strikers. "That’s what I’m enjoying the most and that’s what we’re going to do now. That’s why it’s the perfect match."
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #MoiElyounoussi has a ‘lot of confidence’ after ‘decent week’ #SAINSTFC

August 31, 2021
RETURNING Moi Elyounoussi praised Saints' character to battle back twice to take a point against Newcastle, and says he is now playing with "a lot of confidence." The 27-year-old spent two years away from St Mary's on loan at Celtic, before returning to the fray this summer. After featuring during pre-season, Elyounoussi watched on as an unused substitute for Saints' opening two Premier League games against Everton and Manchester United. He came into the side for the Carabao Cup clash at Newport County, netting a hat-trick in the 8-0 win which saw him keep his spot for the trip to Newcastle a few days later. And Elyounoussi struck again at St James's Park. The Norway international's first Premier League goal cancelled out Callum Wilson's opener for the hosts, only for Allan Saint-Maximin to fire the Magpies in front again. But there was time for one late twist as James Ward-Prowse kept his cool to net from the penalty spot, deep into the stoppage time to earn a 2-2 draw, after Adam Armstrong had been fouled by a lunging Jamaal Lascelles. Reflecting on his four-goal haul across the two fixtures, Elyounoussi told the Daily Echo: "It’s been a decent week! Personally I just want to come back and show myself from a better side. "I have come back, had a full pre-season, I’m fit, no injuries, a lot of confidence." On the draw at St James's Park, he added: "One point was fair for both teams. Especially how it ended in the end. "We dominated in the first half, created a lot of chances to go into the lead. "But in the end we showed character to come back twice and get the well deserved point." After Lascelles had tripped Armstrong, no penalty was initially awarded, until VAR Mike Dean advised referee Paul Tierney to consult the pitchside monitor. He duly did and gave a spot-kick, which was slammed home by Ward-Prowse. "I thought straightaway that it was a penalty," insisted Elyounoussi. "Adam was kicked down and when Prowsey stepped up, I think everybody knew that he was going to put it in. So I was very, very confident." The penalty was netted in front of the Saints fans, up high in the stands, after their longest trip of the season to the north east. "They were amazing, they were brilliant," said Elyounoussi. "I love to see so many fans travelling wherever we go, even on Wednesday in the cup game (at Newport). It’s a long trip as well and they were there, they were loud. "It’s really nice to give them something to cheer for on the way back home." Saints head into the international break sitting 13th in the embryonic table, with two points from their three matches.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl says Saints ‘can count on’ #MohamedElyounoussi #SAINTSFC

August 20, 2021
MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted Saints could “count on” returning Mohamed Elyounoussi and added: “I’m sure that this season he will make a lot of games.” The Norway international has spent the past two campaigns away from Saints on loan at Scottish giants Celtic, where he chalked up 67 appearances in all competitions, as well as 24 goals. The winger also claimed a Scottish Premiership title and League Cup trophy during his first year north of the border, before returning to Saints this pre-season. Elyounoussi featured in games against the likes of Swansea and Levante during the St Mary’s side’s warm-up fixtures. He was also named among the substitutes for the club’s Premier League opener at Everton on Saturday. Elyounoussi signed for Saints from Swiss outfit Basel under Mark Hughes in June 2018. He has played eight times for the south coast side under current boss Hasenhuttl. Asked by the Daily Echo what it was like to work with the 27-year-old once again, Hasenhuttl replied: “He’s a very good player with some important skills for our game. “Strong in the red zone, in the pockets, good solutions there. “He showed in the pre-season that we can count on him and I’m sure that this season he will make a lot of games.” Elyounoussi also played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his time at Molde – and could come up against him on Sunday when Saints host Manchester United in the top flight. And fellow forward Nathan Tella insisted it was a “bonus” to have the former Basel man back among the ranks. “I’ve been really impressed with him actually,” said Tella, when asked about Elyounoussi’s return. “He works really hard for the team, is very good on the ball and is just a nice guy to have around the training ground. “He’s someone who, when he first came to the club, I was still in the under-23s so I didn’t really see much of him. “But obviously now I’m with the first team, just speaking to him about how he found Celtic and how he enjoyed it there and how he’s looking to work hard to get into the team here. “He’s doing all the right things. He’s trained really well, full of confidence and ability. It’s going to be a bonus to have him in the team.”
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Saints winger #MohamedElyounoussi pens emotional goodbye to loan club Celtic #SAINTSFC

July 2, 2021
SAINTS winger Mohamed Elyounoussi sent his thanks to loan club Celtic and added: “I wish everyone all the best in the future.” The Norwegian international took to Instagram on Wednesday to thank the Glasgow giants following the expiration of his loan stay at Celtic Park. Across two seasons, Elyounoussi played 67 games and scored 24 goals. He also won the Scottish title in 2020. A post from the 26-year-old’s official Instagram page read: “I would like to thank everyone at @celticfc for the two seasons I was there. “Thanks to all the coaching & background staff, the players and everyone who is working at this historic club. I have shared dressing room with a fantastic group of players and made friends for life. “It has been a pleasure and honour to wear the iconic green and white shirt. I’ll take all the good memories with me both domestically and in Europe. “Lastly, I want to thank the amazing fans that has been supporting and cheering me since the day I arrived. “You have made every game both at the incredible Celtic Park and away games joyful. We missed you last season and I hope for the boys that you are back next season. “I wish everyone all the best in the future.” Elyounoussi joined Saints from Basel in June 2018 for a reported £16million, signing a five-year deal at St Mary’s. He has played 19 games in total for Saints, eight of those appearances coming under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.