Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl believes Oriol Romeu has ‘all the attributes’ to be a ‘fantastic’ manager #SAINTSFC

September 7, 2022
BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl believes former Saints star Oriol Romeu has “all the attributes” to be a “fantastic” manager – if he decides to take that path in his career. The midfielder, who became a fan favourite at St Mary’s after a seven-year spell on the south coast, completed a permanent move to Spanish side Girona on transfer deadline day. Following 256 appearances and eight goals for Saints, the 30-year-old helped his new club to a 1-1 draw with Mallorca in La Liga on Saturday. But having played under the likes of Luis Enrique, Pep Guardiola, Rafael Benitez and Hasenhuttl throughout his illustrious career, the Austrian tipped the Ulldecona-born star to make his way in management if he wanted to. Asked whether he would see Romeu as a potential manager in the future, Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: “For sure. If you want to go this road, which is sometimes a very stressful one, he has all the attributes for being a fantastic one. “He knows how to work. He’s an absolute professional. He has also the sensibility, that you need to have to work with people. “He’s a very warm-hearted man but with the professionalism you need to have. With the knowledge also, after his long career, I think it’s a very good fundament for building maybe on the next career – if he wants to.” Romeu appeared 126 times under Hasenhuttl during his time at Saints – more than any other manager he has worked with. And the Saints boss did not even rule out a return for the midfielder, in a different capacity to playing in the future. Quizzed on whether he had ever spoken to Romeu about management, former RB Leipzig boss Hasenhuttl said: “Yeah, sure. “I tell you very honestly that we will never let him go (as a player), if he didn’t come to us and say that he wants to. “Because I said, such a player you always have to keep in your club. Who has done so much for you, who is so close to the fans and made so many positive things for this club. “With the football knowledge he has, you need to keep him in the club for what position, ever. “I am sure there is coming maybe a time, one time when he is coming back here in a different position.” One thing Romeu and Hasenhuttl did share a keen interest in away from football was tennis – the pair having previously battled on court with each other. Asked whether the Spaniard had ever beaten him, Hasenhuttl, who once had a go at being a semi-professional tennis player in Munich, said: “No. That’s the reason why he has to come back one time!”
James Ward Prowse
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu reveals two things that make Ward-Prowse’s free-kicks so special #SAINTSFC

June 3, 2022
MIDFIELDER Oriol Romeu believes James Ward-Prowse’s “given talent” backed up by his work-rate, gave him the claim to be one of the world’s best free-kick takers. The Saints skipper struck his 14th direct free-kick goal in the Premier League for Saints, back at Brighton in April. It took Ward-Prowse four short of David Beckham’s all-time record, standing at 18. The likes of bosses Thomas Frank and Pep Guardiola have hailed the Saints star’s dead-ball acumen, with Romeu also praising the ability and application of the 27-year-old. Speaking about Ward-Prowse’s free-kicks on The Big Interview with Graham Hunter podcast, Romeu said: "He’s crazy. The free-kicks around the box are always a goal chance but also corner kicks, side-kicks, the crosses are always dangerous. “I’m thinking we should score more goals with the balls that are flying in but also you see in training when he has a shot it goals three centimetres out of the top corner "The normal person like me or someone else, the shot goes five metres about the fence, the flight of the ball, his contact, it’s always so clean and perfect - he rarely changes. “He is very accurate and very clean on the contact that’s what makes him so successful.” He added: “There’s two things there, one, he’s got a given talent, then on the practice side, he does practice. “Every week you see him practicing free-kicks but he loves doing it, it’s a bit of both." Ward-Prowse could add to his 10 senior England caps when the Three Lions take on Hungary in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday (5pm).
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu expects big summer overhaul in dressing room after multiple bad results #SAINTSFC

May 29, 2022
ORIOL Romeu conceded “if we carry on like this we could really struggle” and is expecting changes made to the Saints squad this summer. The transfer window opens in just two weeks with the St Mary’s faithful anticipating a busy first summer under new owners Sport Republic. The club looked to be making quick progress in 2022 and was targeting a first top-half finish under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl this season, but that is not how it transpired. Saints finished in 15th in the Premier League for a second consecutive season, but even amassed three points fewer (40) than last season’s total. Read more - Southampton part ways with three of Hasenhuttl's coaching staff A number of positions have emerged as problem areas with the expiry of contracts and loan deals, and the lack of fight shown in Saints’ final 12 league games leaves Romeu anticipating player overhaul. “When you are not getting results there is always going to be changes,” the Spaniard admitted. “Especially at the end of the season when there is the window and you can look around and reinforce some areas if you want to. Saints midfielder Oriol Romeu is under contract only until summer 2023 (Pic: PA) “The way we are playing has not been good enough, and we want to head into a better direction and right now it looks like if we carry on this we could really struggle, which is not a feeling you want to have. “There could be changes, we don’t know, we don’t make these decisions but I’m pretty sure that will happen.” The Daily Echo understands sources close to the club expect a 'very busy' summer, with players targeted in 'pretty much every position'. The 30-year-old midfielder, whose own contract is set to expire in June 2023, made his 36th Premier League appearance of the season in Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to Leicester City. “It was heartbreaking to see our fans chanting and singing, being loud and going home with a 4-1 defeat,” he added. Some set of supporters this. 👏 #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/S4O5xZLk67 — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) May 22, 2022 “It hurts everyone at the club and hurts them as well. It is annoying to go into the summer now with this defeat.” Saints were on the receiving end of a refereeing error and player confusion with the two sides deadlocked at 0-0, at King Power Stadium. James Maddison scored the opener minutes into the second-half after Jon Moss had mistakenly awarded a drop-ball in Leicester’s favour, with Saints in possession when play was halted. It was sent forward by Leicester goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, pressed by Jamie Vardy and finished by his compatriot. Hasenhuttl confirmed after the match he asked Brendan Rodgers to give his team the goal back in the interest of respect, but this did not happen. Ralph Hasenhuttl in discussion with referee Jon Moss at full-time (Pic: PA) “There were a few things that didn’t go our way, we don’t need to talk too much about decisions and what happened but what we need to do better is once we get that first goal,” Romeu insisted, “But coming back into the game at 2-1 and conceding one or two minutes after, what are you going to do in these moments, you need to keep yourself alive in the game and give yourself some options to come back into the game.” “Very weird,” he added on the Foxes’ opener, though. “We are still talking about it and don’t really understand it. “I tried to block Jamie Vardy and he said I kicked him, I was blocking him. He (Moss) gave them the ball and I don’t know why, because we had it. “It is still our mistake, we gave it away too easily and it was an easy chance for them to score. Then probably from that goal everything changed.” #SaintsFC's Oriol Romeu played 45 minutes during his second cap for Catalonia last night.They beat Jamaica 6-0, playing their first fixture since 2019, and the 30-year-old made his first start. 👏 pic.twitter.com/vyJVpScIy1 — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) May 26, 2022 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
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu messaged Spanish maestro in a bid to improve his game #SAINTSFC

May 15, 2022
SAINTS midfielder Oriol Romeu revealed how he once reached out to Spanish superstar Xavi in a bid to develop his game. Having come through the youth ranks at Barcelona and trained with the World Cup winner, who is now the manager of the Catalan giants, former Spain under-21 international Romeu sent Xavi a message asking him how to improve his consistency. Xavi’s rich honours list as a player includes no fewer than eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues. Speaking about the midfield maestro on Graham Hunter’s Big Interview podcast, Romeu said: “I was feeling that I was playing good and enjoying myself but there were a couple of actions during the game. I was giving the ball away too easily or I was not fully on it. “Me, alongside another guy who helps me to analyse games – tactically I think he’s a very bright guy. “We thought ‘which player can we watch in order to get to understand how you can be gully focused during 90 minutes?’. “Then, of course, Xavi came into our head. He was a player that… I can’t remember him missing a pass or having a bad game. He was unreal. “We went and watched some of his games but then I thought, why don’t I just ask him? I’ve got his number, I’ve talked to him a couple of times and he’s always been very helpful. He’s a very good guy. “I dropped him a message. Asked that question ‘what can I do in order to be always there, to have that consistency during all my season, game-in, game out?’. “His answer was very clear but very honest. He said that he hated giving balls away. Even in training. “He said he would come out in training and think ‘I’m not going to give any balls away today. Even in rondos, even in ball possessions where you have a lot or pressure, that I was in the right position, I was making that first touch perfectly. I was always giving the pass in the right area with the right intention’. “(He said) during the games, that just followed me through. That mindset of making sure during the training sessions, he said I was always very critical with myself. He even said ‘sometimes I was even too critical with myself but that allowed me to always be that consistent’. “The fact of hating giving the ball away, hating making a mistake kept him active. Kept him always on his toes, kept him always wanting to do the right thing. “Always having to receive in the right areas, put the ball in the right place and with the right intention, it’s more unlikely that you give the ball away.” Romeu has gone on to make more than 250 appearances for Saints since signing for the club in 2015. He could be involved when Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men host Liverpool in the Premier League on Tuesday. 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
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu sets new goals after devastating ankle fracture at Leeds last season #LUFC #SAINTSFC

April 2, 2022
DETERMINED Oriol Romeu revealed how he set “new goals” for himself 14 months ago – as he returns to the venue where his previous season became derailed. Saints make the trip to Elland Road to take on Leeds United in the Premier League tomorrow (3pm) a stadium which Romeu does not have fond memories of. With Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men losing 3-0 in Yorkshire last February, the Spanish midfielder suffered a fractured ankle after 70 minutes and was required to undergo surgery. After three months out, Romeu made his return to action during the St Mary’s side’s season finale at West Ham back in May – and has featured in all but two league contests this campaign. Reflecting on sustaining the ankle break at Leeds last season, the former Barcelona youngster said: “That time was quite frustrating. I was enjoying it a lot and I was feeling really well. “Then that injury came - three months out and the season finished. “It’s a good chance to go there, get a win and get the feeling of the bad way that I left last time now the other way round – that would be ideal. “But it’s good that also, going back to the injury, that I have been able to come back and not have any more issues and compete again for a good amount of games – and feel physically strong and ready again. “That was my main goal this season and I have been able to achieve it. Now it’s just a matter of finishing the season in the best way possible.” Romeu has been a regular in Saints’ line-up this season, having scored against Norwich as part of the club’s unbeaten February run. Asked whether he used his time out through injury to reflect and analyse his game, the 30-year-old said: “During the injury it was more like structuring again, setting up new goals and seeing how I could get back in the best way possible. “It’s always hard because you don’t see yourself as close as you would love to play again. “But you have to always be a bit humble to say ‘right, I’ve got to do these exercises because that’s going to allow me in three months’ time to play in a better way’. “That’s a challenge that you have to face and you have to go through – but that’s me alongside the physios and everyone around the club doing a very good job during the recovery. “That’s why I got the chance to come back and not have any more issues.” Victory at Leeds could put Hasenhuttl’s side back into the top 10 in the top flight.
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Refreshed Oriol Romeu eager for Southampton to hit their best levels after break #SAINTSFC

March 31, 2022
MIDFIELDER Oriol Romeu insisted he was “ready and fresh” to go again for Saints following the international break and added: “The sooner we react, the better it will be.” The St Mary’s side went into the halt in fixtures throughout March, off the back of four defeats in all competitions. After an unbeaten February, Saints suffered losses against Aston Villa, Newcastle, Watford and Manchester City in their most recent fixtures. But Romeu, along with the rest of the squad not on international duty, was given some time off ahead of the final nine games of the season. Asked how important it was to recharge ahead of the business end of the campaign, the Spanish star told the Daily Echo: “It was needed probably, I would say. “We were coming from four defeats. I think against City we competed quite well although the result didn’t show that – but it was a good game. “There are nine games left now. We want to finish in a good way – nothing less than what we did before these four games. “We were playing really good football, we were competing very well against any team and that’s where we want to get back at.” Ralph Hasenhuttl has stressed his desire for a top-10 finish this season. Saints are currently 11th, a solitary point behind Leicester City. They face relegation-threatened Leeds United in their next test at Elland Road on Saturday. Quizzed on how much there was still to play for regarding the top 10, Romeu said: “That’s a challenge that we have and think we can achieve. “As a team, the players we have, the quality we’ve got – we could reach that level, although it won’t be easy. “We have to win a few games from the ones we have left but that’s our challenge and that’s what we are aiming at. “The last three defeats don’t help but we are still there, we have still got options and now that gap is getting shorter. The sooner we react the better it will be.” Romeu himself managed to return to his homeland during the brief pause in club games, something he believes was extremely valuable. “We had some time off. That was very helpful. I had the chance to go back home and see the family – the same as the other players,” said the former Barcelona youngster. “That, mentally, is refreshing and really helpful. Now - ready and fresh to go again. “It’s always lovely. Always good to go back home, spend some time, play some other sports or do some other things away from football. I think it’s really good for everyone.”
#PLStories- Goalkeeper Willy Caballero reveals Southampton summer signings Valentino Livramento and Armando Broja were on Chelsea’s youth academy radar #SAINTSFC
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Goalkeeper Willy Caballero reveals Southampton summer signings Valentino Livramento and Armando Broja were on Chelsea’s youth academy radar #SAINTSFC

March 17, 2022
GOALKEEPER Willy Caballero revealed he and other experienced players at Chelsea “commented on a lot of positive things about Valentino” Livramento, while he was just an academy starlet. The 19-year-old former Cobham defender has enjoyed a breakout Premier League season following his permanent move to Saints last summer. With 23 matches of experience in the country’s top-flight has already come an England under-21 debut, of which he could be called up again when the squad for this month is announced on Friday. This time last year, Livramento was just another promising youngster – on the finishing stretch of a strong season that saw him crowned the Blues’ academy player of the year. Tino Livramento could be set to return to the squad to face Willy Caballero's former side, Manchester City, this Sunday (Pic: PA) Although not yet known to most of the St Mary’s faithful, he was already on the radar of future Saints teammate Caballero. "No, not really. I had met Oriol Romeu once,” the 40-year-old responded, when asked if he had any friends in the Saints squad before joining as emergency cover in December. “And I knew Valentino Livramento and Armando Broja from Chelsea,” he continued. “Because they were in the academy but with the COVID situation, we couldn't train together." Caballero was on the books at the London side between 2017-2021, after joining from Manchester City. Armando Broja played for Chelsea throughout pre-season (Pic: PA) “But I knew about them. Unbelievable. When I was at Chelsea, we commented on a lot of positive things about Valentino, with his potential and projection. And he did really well since the first game (here at Saints).” Although Livramento made an immediate impact with a Premier League start on the opening weekend of the season, after just 45 minutes of pre-season action, Broja’s introduction was a slower burn. The Albanian international had to cut his teeth in the EFL Cup on his debut, while manager Ralph Hasenhuttl called on the youngster to improve his physical outputs for a Premier League start – which first came in October. "With Broja, we - and when I say we - I mean experienced players, because we sometimes spoke about some of the academy players and there were some doubts, but he is unbelievable and he is doing really well,” Caballero added. Goalkeeper Willy Caballero has featured in the FA Cup for Saints this season (Pic: Stuart Martin) “He is scoring goals and helping the team here and he believes in himself that he can be a good striker (in the Premier League), so that is fantastic." Broja was named on the same bench as Caballero by Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, when the striker was handed a Premier League debut with a five-minute cameo in a 4-0 win over Everton, in March 2020. That was the attacker’s only appearance for the Blues’ senior side, although that could change if the six-goal Premier League forward returns to his parent club at the end of this season.
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu reveals admiration for Brazilian icon Ronaldo and role of footballer as role model for kids #SAINTSFC

March 9, 2022
SAINTS stalwart Oriol Romeu revealed how he originally plied his trade up front as a youngster – and looked up to Brazilian superstar Ronaldo. Midfielder Romeu started his youth career with hometown club Ulldecona before progressing into the academies at Espanyol and Barcelona. During that time, Brazilian Ronaldo had signed for Barcelona under Bobby Robson for a then world record fee. He scored 47 goals in 49 games for the Spanish giants – as well as registering 12 assists. The two-time World Cup winner inspired a young Romeu growing up – despite the tough tackling Saints star now sitting deeper in midfield. Speaking to the Daily Echo earlier this season about his admiration for the Brazilian great, Romeu said: “He used to be my idol. “I used to play as a striker back then – surprisingly, I used to score goals! “I remember when he went to Barca, before 2000 I think it was, with Bobby Robson as a manager. “He had a hell of a season and scored more than 30 goals, which was amazing back then. I always used to really admire him.” Asked if he always wanted to be Ronaldo growing up, Romeu joked: “Probably, that’s why I’m shaving, the only thing I’m missing is the goals! “I felt like I could score goals but when I made my next step, I went to Espanyol, the other team in Barcelona, and I already started playing as a midfielder and just went backwards (in position) from then on.” Romeu went on to graduate through the Barcelona academy, as well as feature for the likes of Chelsea, Valencia and Stuttgart. Since arriving at St Mary’s, the former Spain under-21 international has made himself a fans’ favourite on the south coast, playing 242 games in all competitions. Asked how important it was in general for young supporters to have a role model, Romeu said: “Football is well-known, everyone sees you and they sometimes want to be in your position. But it’s just a game. “The only thing is being a good example and being there for the kids whenever we need to. “We also have a small academy back in my hometown and I try to spend time with the kids whenever I go – just being there with them and showing them what you are doing. “Showing them you do normal things – because sometimes they think you do different things! It’s just the main thing to do and I really enjoy it.” Romeu is set to be involved when Saints host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Thursday (7.30pm).
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu ‘delighted’ with Saints role in sustainability and community contributions #SAINSTFC

February 4, 2022
SAINTS have released a review outlining its sustainability achievements a year on from launching ‘The Halo Effect’, following the announcement of its joint third place in the Sport Positive Premier League Sustainability Table. As part of its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030, Saints have focused on its environmental responsibility and saw 1,000 trees planted in recognition of debut players Kegs Chauke, Ryan Finnigan, Alex Jankewitz and Caleb Watts, by pupils at Redbridge Community School. A further 250 trees were planted by Dan Nlundulu at the club’s Staplewood training complex, with the club pledging to plant 250 trees every time one of its academy players make their first-team debut. Last year alone saw over 1,250 tonnes of its carbon emissions offset. Reusable cups were also introduced on matchdays in a bid to reduce single-use plastic at the club, with around 57,000 cups saved last year – the equivalent of 6,000 single use plastic cups saved per game. Saints’ vice-captain Oriol Romeu said: “After being involved in the launch of The Halo Effect a year ago, I’m delighted to see the progress that the club has made. “Planting so many trees through the Home Grown Initiative and reducing single-use plastic are really positive steps and show how seriously the club takes its environmental responsibility. “As a player, I’m proud that my club is taking this proactive attitude towards positive change and constantly working to become more and more sustainable. “I am also a firm believer in trying to ensure that we leave behind better people as well as a better planet and so I fully support the social and educative initiatives that the club and its partners have invested in. It’s inspiring to see the impact that these are having on the local and wider community.” The club has also invested £2.5million to improve accessibility and matchday experience and launched its No place for homophobia in Southampton initiative with official kit supplier, hummel, and Rainbow Saints – a dedicated LGBTQ+ supporter group. In partnership with NHS Solent Trust, the Saints By Your Side mental health campaign was also launched to encourage fans to talk openly about mental health, while the club launched Grow Your Game, a programme to support the development of grass roots football in Hampshire with more the 700 coaches enrolling since its inception in the summer of 2021.
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Armando Broja has ‘done really well’ on loan at Southampton says Oriol Romeu #SAINTSFC

January 27, 2022
ORIOL Romeu claims it is “not easy” to be part of Chelsea’s loan army, with the Saints vice-captain believing that teammate Armando Broja has “done really well” during his loan stint on the south coast. After joining the London club in 2011 from Barcelona, Romeu found himself on loan for two years out of his four season stay at Chelsea. Sent out to Valencia in his native Spain and Stuttgart in Germany, Romeu was then allowed to move permanently – with Saints snapping up the holding midfielder for what has proved to be a bargain £5 million. When asked about his experiences out on loan whilst at Chelsea, Romeu told the Daily Echo: “It’s not easy. “I think Armando has done really well to come into a new club, for a season or two max, I thought it was always difficult when I had to do it. “That’s why I think Armando is doing really well. “You need to perform quite well to be a starter like Armando is doing. “He is a threat for us now, he is a player that we need. “With his speed he really hurts everyone and he can create chances from many positions. “I think having him is quite a good thing, and it is really helping us get some points, especially the last few months.” Broja is one of 22 Chelsea players currently contracted to the club but playing elsewhere, with that number a severe reduction of their recent high of 49 players loan out during the 2018-19 season. In comparison, Saints only have 11 players out on loan, and during the 2018-19 campaign, 18 Saints were playing their football elsewhere. The Blues rarely send a player to the same club more than once, leaving players struggling to put down roots off the pitch in order to perform on it. When asked if leaving the loan-heavy environment of Chelsea was beneficial for his career, Romeu said: “I think it is good to have some stability. “Unless it is two seasons would be good, but you’re moving one year after the other, it makes it quite hard for yourself to feel a part of that team. “Therefore it is difficult to perform at your best. “You also move your family, you’re also moving houses which sometimes looks easy but it is quite a stressful thing to do. “I do think that as well it is a good chance to go out somewhere and get some more minutes, especially when you’re young, you need that to develop yourself. “But is important as well to make sure it is not something for three months and you go somewhere else for another three months, change countries, because that’s not helping the player to perform at their best.”
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu says he is enjoying his time with Saints and will take it year by year #SAINTSFC

January 20, 2022
ORIOL Romeu is enjoying his time at Southampton and wants to stay for as long as possible – with the Spaniard revealing he doesn’t spend much time thinking about his contract situation. Instead, it appears the plan is for player and club to take it “year by year”, with Romeu largely concentrating on keeping his performances levels high. Now into his seventh season with the club, the former Barcelona and Chelsea man last signed a contract in November 2020, with his current deal set to expire at the end of next season. Despite the looming deadline, the St Mary’s stalwart remains focused on ensuring that he is at his best for his team, by maintaining his body. One of the elder statesmen in the Saints dressing room, 30-year-old Romeu said: “I’m enjoying it. “I’m feeling good physically. I’m probably feeling now, the best moment of my career. “I’m looking after myself, I’ve found some habits that are really helping me, I want to carry on with that and then we’ll see how far we go. “I’ve still got a year and a half left, I really don’t think of it much. “I’m enjoying it here, I want to go year by year and see how far we go.” Saints’ vice-captain clearly believes that his work off the pitch is allowing him to perform on it. When quizzed upon the habits he mentioned, the midfielder revealed: “Eating wise, I’ve improved a lot. “I’ve changed some things that are helping me to gain more muscle and reduce fat within my body. “Sleeping, resting, recovery – always things that are important nowadays. I don’t think I would be able to perform at this level if I hadn’t done this. “Since I think it was lockdown, I started working with a nutritionist a lot more, looking every detail. It has really helped me, and it’s something I will continue and keep doing in my career.” Romeu and Co. will have to hope their preparation is spot-on for the visit of Manchester City this weekend, with Pep Guardiola’s men seemingly marching unopposed to the title with 12 Premier League wins in a row. Saints themselves enter the fixture hoping to bounce back after a decent run of form of their own was ended with a 3-1 defeat away at Wolves last weekend.
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu says Saints need to use ‘anger’ from Wolves loss as fuel for Man City #SAINTSFC

January 19, 2022
ORIOL Romeu has called upon his side to use the "anger" they felt after losing to Wolves at the weekend in their upcoming game with Manchester City. Saints were beaten 3-1 in a tight affair, with Romeu also sharing that Saints were keen to cut out sloppy mistakes at set-pieces. Chaotic defending in the first-half led to Jan Bednarek lunging in and giving away a penalty, before Fraser Forster was caught in no-man's-land for Wolves’ second at a free-kick. Speaking with the Daily Echo, the Spaniard stated: “It never feels good to lose matches. To concede two goals from set-pieces is something to be improved. “We probably took too long to score our first goal. We’d much rather concede from set pieces than being outplayed and not pressing well – that’s easily fixed. “But in the first place you never want to lose.” Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl made no changes to the starting XI for the trip to Wolves, with Romeu dismissing claims that Saints’ high energy game was impacted by the same players playing two games in quick succession. “I don’t think there was a lack of energy,” continued the former Chelsea man. “In the last five minutes it probably summed up how we still had legs to go and press. “We had a very good game against Brentford. We understand why the gaffer kept the same team with the high confidence and try and go again. “Unfortunately that didn’t happen, in terms of energy we were well rested and with good energy.” With the visit of runaway league leaders Manchester City on the near horizon, Romeu said Saints must use the anger and hurt they are feeling as fuel to take on Pep Guardiola’s charges. “(Against Wolves) was a game that we come out a bit angry from," he said. “We want to use that energy, that anger to fight a good Man City side next week. “We know it won’t be easy, but we will give them a tough game, 100 per cent.”
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu admits Saints’ effort ‘was either too late or not enough’ in defeat at Wolves #SAINTS #WOLVESFC

January 17, 2022
ORIOL Romeu agreed that Saints’ defeat to Wolves was a game of fine margins, with the Spaniard admitting that his Saints’ effort was “either too late or not enough.” Despite the 3-1 scoreline, the contest was a game relatively light on offensive action, with Wolves’ first two goals both from set-pieces. For Saints, an opening flurry of five corners in the first 10 minutes of the game yielded no real shots on goal, with the Hampshire side slowly losing their grip of the game. Romeu told the Daily Echo: “In terms of shots and chances I think both teams had more or the less the same, probably. “They scored the ones they had and we didn’t. They were probably more clinical, clever, but they took their chances. “We didn’t – at 2-1 we had a very good one where Romain hit the post twice. It could have easily gone in, but it didn’t go in. Then they killed the game two minutes after.” For most of the game the hosts managed to play the match on their own terms, forcing Saints to operate at a slower pace than they are used to. However, when James Ward-Prowse opened Saints’ account with a wonderful free-kick, the game opened up – setting up an electrifying ending to the match, with both sides bombing down the pitch in search of a goal. Wolves were the side that found the game’s final conversion, with Saints coming extremely close when Romain Perraud smacked the stanchion with a header. Speaking about the last five minutes, Romeu stated: “I think we also had chances before, but the fact we scored maybe made them take one step backwards and we felt like we were one step away from it. “I think their goalie had a very good game as well. He stopped us from scoring. Apart from the set-pieces, they didn’t have many threats. “It was quite even. Of course, in the end we pushed because we were just one goal behind. “It was either too late or not enough.”
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu on former teammates Ryan Bertrand and Jannik Vestergaard #SAINTSFC

December 1, 2021
MIDFIELDER Oriol Romeu insists "there is no friendship" if he faces two former teammates tomorrow evening. Leicester duo Ryan Bertrand and Jannik Vestergaard have struggled for minutes in recent weeks, but are expected to be in the squad which travels to St Mary's for the Premier League clash. Both joined the Foxes over the summer, Vestergaard for £15million while Bertrand departed on a free transfer, after seven years at Saints. Asked what it will be like to potentially face the pair, Romeu, who has been at Saints since 2015, told the Daily Echo: "I have played with Ryan many years, with Jannik as well. “It’s good that we are going to face them but whatever we are doing – the game starts and there is no friendship, there’s no memories, we want to make sure we get those three points." Discussing if there will have to be changes to counter-act the fact both Bertrand and Vestergaard will know how boss Ralph Hasenhuttl sets up his side, Romeu added: "They have the information but it doesn’t matter, we are still going to give them a good go and hopefully we do a good performance and will have more chances to win that game." Left-back Bertrand has made nine appearances for Leicester this season, but has not featured in the Premier League since October 3, losing his spot to youngster Luke Thomas. Vestergaard has played 12 times for his new club.
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu admits Saints have to do better against Leicester City #SAINTSFC

December 1, 2021
ORIOL Romeu insists Saints have "got to react" against Leicester City tomorrow, after suffering back-to-back away defeats. Saints return to St Mary's tomorrow evening, hosting Brendan Rodgers's Foxes (7.30pm), before Brighton & Hove Albion visit Hampshire on Saturday. Since beating Aston Villa in their last home fixture, Saints have lost 2-1 at Norwich City and 4-0 at Liverpool. Asked how important it is for Saints to show a response in front of the home fans against Leicester, Romeu told the Daily Echo: "Massive. Losing on Saturday was probably one of those fixtures at the beginning of the season – if you get something it’s a win. “But it’s something that could have happened. Losing against Norwich wasn’t expected, it was a tough result. “So now we’ve got to react, we’ve got to do something else, we’ve got to get points against Leicester and Brighton and we’ve got to do better. That’s our target right now." Saints have lost just once at St Mary's this season, a 1-0 reverse against Wolves in September. Discussing the importance of the home fans getting behind the team against Leicester, Romeu added: "That would be ideal, to create a good atmosphere and to make sure we also make them hear us and make them be loud by putting down a good performance."
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton’s Oriol Romeu reflects on quitting social media #SAINTSFC

November 10, 2021
ORIOL Romeu described as “probably the best decision I’ve made,” closing down his social media accounts almost exactly a year ago, adding: “It can affect your game as well, definitely.” The combative Saints midfielder shut down his Facebook and Instagram accounts and stopped regularly using Twitter a year ago this week, although he kept the latter open, “in case I need to say anything or make any statement”.  Footballer social media has become a haven of PR disingenuity with regular paragraph-long apologathons for penalty misses and in-game mistakes – often clearly identifiable as posted by a player relations company, rather than the player his or herself. But it’s because so many are turning their back on the online world and with good reason. In 2019, PFA figures showed that counselling services rose to a record 643, up almost 50% on the previous year. Read more PFA director of player welfare Michael Bennett said social media meant there was "no escape from football". Hi, I've decided to close my Instagram and Facebook accounts. Here's the reason. Thank you for your support!Hola, he decidido cerrar mis cuentas de Instagram y Facebook. Aquí os cuento el motivo. Gracias por vuestro apoyo! pic.twitter.com/yLAf0g6XuK — Oriol Romeu (@OriolRomeu) November 8, 2020 A 2020-21 PFA report, powered by Signify, then identified that 44% of Premier League players received discriminatory abuse of some nature online, and 50% of abusive tweets were from UK based accounts – not bots based in China, Saudi Arabia, Russia or wherever. “Has it been a year already?” Romeu asked the Daily Echo, “it’s probably been the best decision I’ve made.” The 30-year-old continued: “It’s hard because some people may need that for their jobs or their companies but at that point, I thought I didn’t need it and it wasn’t making me any good. Oriol Romeu has developed a reputation as Saints' 'footballing hard-man' for his combative play (Pic: PA) “I don’t need it. I have just seen now the guys when we were in the hot tub or ice baths watching TikToks, Instagram stories or reels. “I am just so pleased I am not there. It doesn’t fulfil me. I don’t enjoy it now. “I would rather spend that time talking to friends or spending time with the family, dog, whatever. “It was a decision that I had already decided but I thought about it for a long time. I am quite happy and I am going to stick to it, at least for another year.” Oriol Romeu has started every Premier League game of the campaign (Pic: PA) Romeu went on to admit that he too had got messages “you probably shouldn’t get”, during his time on his online accounts. His official Twitter account has amassed over 30k followers, but top-end stars who have been subject to abuse, such as the likes of Wilfried Zaha, have up to or more than one million. A heated online atmosphere came to a grim head following the European Championship final at Wembley Stadium this year, when three of England’s players – Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka – missed crucial penalties in the Italy shootout and were subject to countless instances of racist abuse. So how about people leave my name out their mouths please and use their energy to make proper sanctions towards the racism we see and ignore everyday .. not just statements and t-shirts 🙏🏿 — Wilfried Zaha (@wilfriedzaha) April 23, 2021 Romeu revealed: “You get messages sometimes that probably you shouldn’t get, or you get to read things that can affect your mood. “I wasn’t paying too much attention but you still read and see those things. Probably the ups and lows can be more extreme if you are on social media.” He added: “But that’s something you need to control and something you should be aware of. I think everyone does but it can affect your game as well, definitely.”
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Table tennis wizard Oriol Romeu reveals desire for winning mentality at Saints #SAINTSFC

October 20, 2021
STAND-IN skipper Oriol Romeu stressed his desire to have a winning mentality – whether it be on the football pitch or the table tennis table! The 30-year-old midfielder captained Saints to their first net gain of the season, with a 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the top flight at St Mary’s on Saturday. Romeu played 90 minutes of the clash against Marcelo Bielsa’s side, as Armando Broja’s winner earned Saints three match points. But while delivering points and performances for Saints remains his main focus, the competitive Spaniard has also developed a love for table tennis while coming through the ranks at his different clubs. Romeu was pictured on social media playing table tennis against boss Ralph Hasenhuttl during pre-season, while also previously locking horns with Juan Mata during the pair’s time at Chelsea. The Saints star said: “On the table tennis, I’ve got no rival - I am unbeaten so far! All jokes aside, I think I am the best at table tennis. “I love table tennis and it’s probably one of the things I would do more often if I could. I beat the manager this time. I just beat anyone on the other side of the table!” Quizzed about playing against World Cup winner Mata, Romeu replied: “Yeah, every time we finished a training session we would go down to the gym. “We had a table tennis table there and we would play for a good hour or sometimes longer. “We were running more in table tennis than on the pitch sometimes! We loved it because it was so good to do something else, something different and we enjoyed it.” He added: “I don’t like losing. I like winning and I like getting better and competing well. “Although sometimes as I get older, I try to be a little bit more clever – it’s more important what I do on the pitch than playing table tennis and some other sports. “But I like competing, I like rackets, tennis and paddle – any sports that can help me to think of something else and also get fitter in the meantime. It’s nice to do.” Romeu is expected to keep his place when Saints host Burnley at St Mary’s on Saturday (3pm).
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.”
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories – #OriolRomeu admits that life has changed after he became a father #SaintsFC

September 9, 2021
ORIOL Romeu revealed how having new-born baby Zac “couldn’t be any better” as he balances football with feeding times and nappy changes. He revealed how he had been able to help care for his son overnight during the off-season, but was now back to a regular sleeping pattern as the 2021-22 campaign got underway. And the proud new dad insisted he would not change a minute, as he provides for Zac and his family. He told the Daily Echo: “It’s been great. It’s one of the things we as people are always thinking ‘is that going to happen one day?’ And he finally arrived. “We are very happy, very pleased and everything is going well so far. “I am trying to learn as the days go by. It’s a continuous learning thing, changing and then growing so quickly – but trying to get next to him and helping wherever I can. “It’s a bit harder now because he is sleeping less. “Once you get home, your wife or girlfriend is telling you to do things that you haven’t done for the whole morning – but you have been running around the pitch, so you are also tired. “Trying to find a balance is difficult but we are very happy, very pleased and everything is going according to plan – it couldn’t be any better.” Sleep is essential for any elite athlete to perform at their best – and Romeu is thankful to his girlfriend for allowing him to get the correct amount, while Zac is up at night. “The first few weeks when he arrived, I was trying to be up from 4-5am, we were doing half a night each,” said the Saints star, who this month celebrates his 30th birthday. “But I just say to her ‘I need the sleep’. If I’m not getting the sleep, I just feel tired everywhere. “But at that time I was still injured, so I could still do it and over the holidays I could still do it. “Now we are playing and training, we need to get these seven or eight hours. As soon as I wake up, I try to compensate with what I haven’t done overnight. “Luckily she is good and she is accepted – otherwise I will be in trouble!” Asked whether Zac’s arrival had given him an extra incentive to perform and make him proud, the midfielder said: “Yeah, I agree. “It also helps you to think of something else, otherwise it was always football, football, football. “Too much thinking of something is sometimes a bit negative. You get over-frustrated whenever you lose a game and you are not performing as much as you want. “Having your kid, when you go back home and he smiles – everything just goes away. That extra companion and extra thing to think of or be focused on is really helpful.” On the field, the former Barcelona and Chelsea man has started all three Premier League contests this season. Saints lost their opening fixture against Everton before draws against Manchester United and Newcastle before the international break. Assessing the start to the season Romeu said: “We’ve got points but we’ve got no wins, so it’s a bit 50-50. “The feeling is that we are getting better – the game against Newcastle overall, I think we were the better team, but we didn’t win it. “Against Man United we competed really well. We held them. “That’s a good sign and there’s positive things but there’s no wins and wins give you confidence, wins give you the right atmosphere to work and keep believing in what the team is doing. “Hopefully the wins come soon.” Saints are set to host West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl and #OriolRomeu provide insight to new signing #TinoLivramento #SAINTSFC

August 7, 2021
TINO Livramento is set to make his first appearance in Saints colours during Saturday's friendly against Athletic Bilbao, with boss Ralph Hasenhuttl declaring: "I am very proud the club managed to bring him in." Saints fought off reported competition from around Europe to snap up the highly-rated 18-year-old defender. He joined the club from Chelsea this week for a fee said to be in the region of £5million, having won the club's academy player of the year award last season. Livramento is yet to make a competitive senior appearance, but was twice named on the bench for Premier League fixtures with the Blues last season. And the St Mary's crowd are set to get their first chance to see the new man in action when La Liga side Bilbao head to the south coast (3pm). Discussing the club's latest recruit, Hasenhuttl said: "He has trained twice very hard after his COVID he had for two weeks, he was out. "He needs a little bit of time to come to the level others are at the moment. "We have had four very tough weeks (of pre-season) so far at a good level, so we will want to give him a chance against Bilbao, maybe for 45 or 30 minutes. I want to have a look. "But from what I have seen so far in the first sessions is he is a fantastic player for us and one of the best young players on this position in England I think, so I am very proud the club managed to bring him in. "And I don’t want to hang the expectations too high, but I think in the next five years we will have a lot of fun with him." Full-back Livramento will challenge Kyle Walker-Peters and Yan Valery for a starting berth at Saints in his preferred position of right-back, while the club also hope he can provide cover for Romain Perraud on the left side of defence. The teenager has joined in with his first training sessions this week, and new team-mate Oriol Romeu likes what he has seen so far. Asked for his first impressions of Livramento, Romeu told the Daily Echo: "A great lad. He’s a young player. But I’ve only seen one session, one exercise. From what I’ve seen from our side, a very good young lad with probably a great future ahead of him. "Happy to have him here. He is going to be a good option at the back as well. "He looks strong, he looks fit. Although he’s young, he’s got quite a physical presence so I’m sure he’s going to be a good help for us as well." Livramento is the second teenager Saints have attracted from Chelsea this summer, with centre-back Dynel Simeu also arriving to link up initially with the B team. Asked how promising it is that Saints can attract such talent from big clubs like Chelsea, Romeu added: "Yeah, probably because they’re seeing they’ve got chances and they can grow and get some proper games here. "There is nothing wrong with that, as long as they come to perform and do their thing, we’re happy, people to come and help and do a good job."
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #OriolRomeu says being injured is the worst thing as a football player #SaintsFC

May 31, 2021
FIT-AGAIN Oriol Romeu was pleased to put his injury setback behind him before the end of the Premier League season – but admitted it was tough to watch Saints struggle in his absence. The Spanish midfielder had been sidelined since February with a fractured ankle, sustained in a 3-0 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road. He had originally been ruled out for the season by boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, but was able to make a return after coming off the bench for 30 minutes in last week’s season finale at West Ham. Despite replacing Kyle Walker-Peters on the hour mark at London Stadium, Romeu was powerless to prevent Saints slipping to a 3-0 reverse and having to succumb to a 15th-placed Premier League finish. Asked about his return, the former Chelsea man told the Daily Echo: “I’m happy to be back yes and being able to play a few minutes is a nice thing. “But I was not that happy with the result and the way it went. “We have conceded many goals, we conceded many chances and we haven’t pushed them, probably. A bit disappointed in that way. “But it’s a good message to make sure we first of all relax in the summer, have a few weeks to live and have a good rest – but also to start thinking ‘what can we do better next season?’.” Since Romeu sustained his ankle problem, Saints lost nine of their 14 league contests to finish the campaign – picking up 13 points from a possible 42. Quizzed on what it was like to watch his team-mates struggle, the 29-year-old said: “Being injured is the worst thing as a football player. Once you are not playing it’s the worst thing you can have. “When you see the team not enjoying it, it’s even worse but it’s part of the game as well. “You need to get through that recovery and make sure you come back in the best way you can.” He added: “Now the following six weeks are going to be crucial for us to start the pre-season in a good way and the season afterwards.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl reveals double injury boost for Saints #SAINTSFC

May 18, 2021
BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed Oriol Romeu had a chance to feature when Saints host Leeds United in the Premier League tomorrow (6pm). The Spaniard had been out of action with a fractured ankle, sustained in the reverse fixture between the sides at Elland Road back in February. But despite previously thinking the midfielder’s season was over, Hasenhuttl revealed the former Barcelona and Chelsea ace had been back in training. Asked for an update on Romeu, the manager told the Daily Echo: “He trained yesterday (Sunday) the first time with the team and does it today (Monday) again. “After such a long break, I think there is not a risk with his injury – this is good so far, I think. “It more depends how fit he is. It’s an opportunity for the bench also. We must have a look, yeah.” He added: “We must handle it carefully but I'd like to have him in the squad, even on the bench. We must have a look at how his body reacts after training, then we can make a decision.” The Saints boss also confirmed defender Jan Bednarek was set to return after overcoming a heel injury. Bednarek missed his first game of the season due to the problem and was sitting in the stands for Saturday’s 3-1 win over Fulham. "He has no problems anymore with his heel,” said Hasenhuttl. “He will be in the squad, yes."