Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl admits he could not watch #JamesWardProws penalty #SAINSTFC

August 29, 2021
BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl admits he has still not seen James Ward-Prowse's dramatic late penalty at St James's Park. Saints were awarded a spot-kick deep into second-half stoppage time when Adam Armstrong went down under the challenge of Jamaal Lascelles. Ward-Prowse stepped up and duly converted to earn his side a 2-2 draw. But Hasenhuttl says he could not bring himself to watch the late drama. Discussing Ward-Prowse's composure from the spot, Hasenhuttl said: "At first I was happy I had Reddy (Nathan Redmond) from the bench who made this super pass and Adam who was running deep. "We were still believing and finally a captain who takes the responsibility and makes a good penalty. "One I haven’t seen so far, but I’ve heard that it was good!" Asked about the award of the penalty, which was given after referee Paul Tierney went to consult the pitchside monitor, Hasenhuttl added: "I have seen it and it is a clear penalty, absolutely clear. Mike Dean was the VAR and he couldn’t say no that it wasn’t a penalty. "It was otherwise a clear goal chance. He (Lascelles) didn’t take the ball, so there was no chance to kick the ball. It was a clear penalty for me, yes."
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl admits that a point was ‘absolutely deserved’ by Southampton #SAINTSFC

August 29, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl insists Saints' late, late equaliser was "absolutely deserved" after seeing his side draw 2-2 at Newcastle United. All of Hasenhuttl's previous trips to Tyneside had ended in defeat and it looked as though Saints were about to suffer the same fate again. Callum Wilson put Newcastle ahead early in the second half, but Moi Elyounoussi equalised. However, Allan Saint-Maximin struck at the death to give the hosts the lead again, only for James Ward-Prowse to net from the penalty spot with the final meaningful kick of the contest. Asked if he feels was a point was the least his side deserved, boss Hasenhuttl said: "Yes. This is what I definitely think today. But I also think in the past we played good games here and never took something. I don’t know why, it was always running against us. "But in this game it was absolutely deserved that we get minimum a point. "What we haven’t made is to win today because we had the chances, especially in the first half were there. "But when you take a thriller and then finally take a point, then you must take it." Asked if his players were happy with a point, or if they felt it could have been two dropped given the chances they missed during the game, Hasenhuttl added: "In the end when you come back in 90+3, you must be happy and they have been because for all the work you do and then don’t get something here, then it is quite tough. "We have shown we are fighting until the end. This is important for our fans here, for us, for everybody because coming back after such a hit in the overtime it is fantastic for the guys and absolutely deserved."
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton’s #JaysonMolumby joins West Bromwich Albion on season-long loan #BHAFC #WBAFC

August 28, 2021
Brighton midfielder Jayson Molumby has joined Championship high-flyers West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent move for undisclosed terms. The 22-year-old has found game time hard to come by at Albion since returning from his loan spell at fellow Championship side Preston in the second half of last season, where he made 16 appearances and picked up one assist. So far this season he has not featured for Graham Potter's side with both of his appearances coming for the U23s in their wins over Derby and West Ham in the BPL 2 earlier this month. He will now link up with his Albion teammate Matt Clarke and join the Baggies who are unbeaten so far in the Championship and sit second in the table, only behind leaders Fulham on goal difference. The Republic of Ireland international will also link up with his compatriots Dara O'Shea and Callum Robinson at the Hawthorns. Albion head coach Graham Potter said: “Jayson did really well during his previous loans in the Championship with Preston North End and Millwall, and he is at the stage where he has had that taste of senior football and is keen to be playing regularly.  “It’s a really good move for him, West Brom have made a strong start to the league season and are keen to get back to the Premier League, and there is the opportunity to play regularly and potentially seal a permanent move to the club.  “He is a great professional, and he has some terrific attributes. "We will be monitoring his progress and development this season, and we wish him well for the season ahead.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Losing starting spot was ‘not easy’ for #KyleWalkerPeters says #RalphHasenhuttl #SAINTSFC

August 28, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted the standout displays of new right-back Tino Livramento "had an effect" on usurped Kyle Walker-Peters, but praised the "very professional" reaction of the former Spurs man. Walker-Peters was one of Saints' most consistent performers last season, making him one of the first names on the teamsheet. Aside from a spell out injured at the start of 2021, Walker-Peters started almost every game, racking up 35 appearances across all competitions following his permanent £12million switch from Tottenham. The Edmonton-born ace played 2,648 minutes of Premier League action, the sixth most in the Saints squad. However, he was a surprise omission when the starting XI was revealed for the opening day of this season, with Walker-Peters listed as a substitute and teenager Livramento, a summer arrival from Chelsea, selected in his place. It was the first time the 18-year-old had played a game of senior football having previously been restricted to academy appearances. Having held off the challenge of Yan Valery during the first half of 2020-21, Walker-Peters had a clear run at right-back when the Frenchman was loaned out to Birmingham City in February. But he now finds himself locked in a battle for his spot, particularly after Livramento was named man-of-the-match for his standout display against Manchester United on Sunday. After an 11-minute cameo in Sunday's draw, Walker-Peters impressed when returning to the starting side against League Two Newport County in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening. He scored his first competitive goal for Saints in the 8-0 thrashing of the south Wales side. Asked how Walker-Peters reacted to losing his position to Livramento for the opening Premier League games of the season, boss Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: "Very professional. Not easy in the beginning. You could feel it had an effect a little bit, especially because Tino was praised for his good performance. "But the reaction he has shown on the training pitch and in the game now was exactly how it should be always. "Not looking back, looking forward. Showing up, grabbing the chance you get to play and then do the best you can. "This is what you need to do and what you have signed the deal for – do the best for the club in every position the manager puts you in. "This is what I expect." With Livramento given the night off against Newport and fellow new recruit Romain Perraud on the bench, Valery stepped in at right-back at Rodney Parade, with Walker-Peters filling in on the left. Asked if he sees Walker-Peters as a left-back option he could look to utilise more often this season, Hasenhuttl said: "I think he has shown that with his qualities he is also an option on the left side. "I was very, very positive about his performance (at Newport) and yes, this is what I expected. "That is the reason why I think on these positions we have at the moment a luxury problem if you want. "But I like these problems more than the others to be honest!" Walker-Peters is expected to be involved in the matchday squad for Saturday's long trip to Newcastle United (3pm).
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl does not expect any more Saints departures #SAINTSFC

August 28, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl insists "I don't expect anybody to go" before the transfer window shuts. Saints have until 11pm on Tuesday to complete deals for players to both join or leave the club. Speaking yesterday, Hasenhuttl confirmed he is hopeful of potentially still bringing in a central midfielder to complete his squad. He has already seen his first-team squad bolstered with the summer arrivals of Theo Walcott, Lyanco, Tino Livramento, Armando Broja, Romain Perraud, Thierry Small and Adam Armstrong. Meanwhile, Ryan Bertrand, Jannik Vestergaard and Danny Ings have all left the club, as well as the likes of Wesley Hoedt, Angus Gunn and Mario Lemina. Striker Michael Obafemi has been linked with a move away during this transfer window, with Blackburn Rovers interested. But Hasenhuttl does not expect he nor any more first-team players to leave the club in the coming days. Asked if he was concerned about more players departing, with some speculation this week regarding Stuart Armstrong potentially returning to Scotland, Hasenhuttl said: "No, I am not worried about losing any. "We want to have everybody here. The season is long and we have experienced that we need every player and don’t want to make the mistake from last year again. "That is the reason why I don’t expect anybody to go."
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #GrahamPotter discusses next step for #MoisesCaicedo #BHAFC

August 28, 2021
Albion have been considering a loan move for Moises Caicedo ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline. But Graham Potter has made it clear they like what they see from the Ecuador international. Caicedo was brought into midfield at Cardiff City in midweek and played a huge part in the night’s second goal, calmly converted by Andi Zeqiri. Potter stopped to correct himself when he spoke about Caicedo’s first proper taste of English football. Not because he had any doubts over the value of those 90 minutes in a competitive Carabao Cup contest. But he broke off after his reference to English football to say: “Well, Welsh opposition.” One would expect nothing less from a former Swansea manager. Caicedo has had to wait longer for action than his army of fans back home were expecting. He has been on the bench in the Premier League and his chances of some minutes will improve if Enock Mwepu is ruled out of the Everton game. But he has had to be patient for an opportunity and, so it appears, it may be he has to go elsewhere for serious involvement. Potter told The Argus: “He has had to be patient. “He came in halfway through the season, which is never easy to do. “Obviously this season he missed a bit with his involvement in the Copa America. “We like him, really believe in him. “It’s about finding the right pathway for him in terms of into the first team. “The other night would have been important for him, just to face a British football game. “That was important for him to just feel that and then of course we need to make a decision in terms of what the next steps for him are. “Whether it’s closer to our first team, whether it’s a possible loan move. “We will see, we will make the right call there. “But we believe in him a lot.” That answer clearly suggested a loan move was being looked at. Asked for confirmation of that, Potter replied: “As I have said with quite a lot of players, you have got to make the right decision in terms of whether we have got cover enough to make sure we are competitive in the games. “Then, with each individual, assess what the right thing for them to do is in terms of if there is an opportunity where we can significantly speed up their development. “As we have seen with Ben (White), it’s a way for the guys to be in our first team, it’s a way for the guys to develop themselves. “So it’s something you can’t rule out but, equally, he could be in our first team in a couple of weeks. “That’s the beauty of football. You never know!” Caicedo’s debut at Cardiff was noted by media back home, including a tweet from the club which described him as the “machine in midfield.” That is not surprising. Even his games as an unused sub have been diligently reported. He will miss three World Cup qualifiers over the next fortnight against Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay with Premier League clubs not releasing their internationals who would have been heading to countries on the Government’s red list. Whether that means his next stop is Brentford – or somewhere else on loan - remains to be seen. If he is still around, there could be a home date with more Welsh opposition in the form of Swansea in the third round of the Carabao Cup. It means Potter takes on the club he used to manage - and that is something he will look forward to when it draws closer. He said: “It’s a home tie for us which is important at this stage. “We’ve got three Premier League games before then so I haven’t given it too much thought. “But I am looking forward to seeing some really good people because it’s a fantastic football club, Swansea. “I had a really enjoyable year there and it would be good to see some familiar faces.”
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton’s #PercyTau agrees move to Al Ahly #BHAFC

August 27, 2021
Percy Tau has agreed a permanent move to Egyptian club Al Ahly on undisclosed terms. The transfer will be formally concluded once the transfer window reopens in Egypt and is also subject to international clearance. Albion head coach Graham Potter said: “I have really enjoyed working with Percy. He is very professional and extremely popular with the rest of the squad, but at this stage of his career he wants to be playing regularly and we fully understand that. “This move gives him the opportunity to do that and he is joining one of Africa’s top clubs. On behalf of everyone at the club I wish him well for the future.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl says he is not 100 per cent done with signings #SAINTSFC

August 27, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl insists Saints remain active in the transfer market, despite completing two more signings this week. Defenders Thierry Small and Lyanco made the switch to St Mary's in the past few days, arriving from Everton and Torino respectively. That takes the total number of signings for the first team this summer to seven, following the arrivals of Theo Walcott, Romain Perraud, Tino Livramento, Adam Armstrong and Armando Broja. The transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday evening, but Hasenhuttl says Saints will continue looking to possibly add another central midfielder to their ranks, to compete with the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Ibrahima Diallo and Oriol Romeu. Will Smallbone is also an option in that area, but is currently sidelined with a long-term knee injury. Asked if Saints were done with transfer dealings for this window, Hasenhuttl said: "Not 100 per cent finished. We’ll have a look. "If there is such an interesting opportunity popping up then maybe we do it. But I think the transfer window so far was a successful one for us, I must say. "It was needed, definitely. Yes, we changed the team a little bit and I have enjoyed working with the team so far." He continued: "The only position where we don’t have that many (options) is the six. "We have with Ori, Prowsey and Ibra three players there for two positions. Every other position is doubled. "We have a few players that can also play the six, but when we will do something, then maybe on this position again."
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #SeanDyche praise for Burnley penalty hero #WayneHennessey #BURNLEYFC

August 27, 2021
Burnley boss Sean Dyche was thrilled with Wayne Hennessey’s competitive debut for the club as he performed heroics to edge his side past Newcastle and into the third round of the Carabao Cup. The Wales international, a summer arrival from Crystal Palace, pulled off saves from Jeff Hendrick, Dwight Gayle and Javier Manquillo during a 90 minutes which ended 0-0 at St James’ Park. He then denied substitutes Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron from the spot to hand Charlie Taylor the chance to win the penalty shoot-out 4-3. Dyche said: “I thought he was excellent. His general play, his hands, getting used to the group of course as well and then two really good saves during the game – one brilliant save when he spread himself and another good save – and then two good saves in the penalty shoot-out. “It was a really pleasing night for him and a pleasing night for us all. The safety of him and the control of him, I thought he was excellent throughout.” Hennessey’s contribution secured a home tie with League Two Rochdale in the next round - matches that will take place the week commencing September 20. It was needed too after Newcastle, quarter-finalists last season, mounted a concerted second-half assault. Dyche said: “Generally, we huffed and puffed a bit, but the desire, the mentality, the will, the basics, if you like, saw us through the 90-odd minutes, and then it was a really secure situation with the penalty-takers. "They all looked confident and obviously Wayne made two great saves.”
Jason Steele Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton goalkeeper #JasonSteele speaks about win at Cardiff #BHAFC

August 26, 2021
Jason Steele has revealed the WhatsApp messages which tell him something very good is happening at Albion. But he is ready to move on from a “special” night and turn focus firmly on to a big Premier League test. Steele skippered a youthful Seagulls side to their 2-0 Carabao Cup win at Cardiff City last night. Goals from Jakub Moder and Andi Zeqiri sealed the deal but there were impressive performances throughout the side. He said: "It was very special. I was honoured to be captain tonight and when the manager told me it was a massive honour for me. "To lead the lads tonight, and how they performed was so good, and there has to be a lot of proud families and people in the club of some of the young boys who played tonight. “You come in and switch your phone on and the first people to text in our WhatsApp group is the boys that are not here. GRAHAM POTTER DELIVERS ENOCK MWEPU UPDATE AFTER INJURY SCARE “That shows what a great spirit we have here. "It does not matter who plays as we are all behind each other, and that is a special feeling to have in a squad.” Players involved at Cardiff have helped Albion win their opening two Premier League games. That goes for the under-23s, who are off to a flyer in Premier League 2, as well as first-teamers such as Jakub Moder and Enock Mwepu. The seniors now prepare to take on unbeaten Everton at the Amex on Saturday. Steele said: "We have started well but we have to manage expectations against the reality and the reality is we have a big game on Saturday ahead of the international break. "We will make sure our standards are high in training on Thursday, and ultimately our goal is to make sure we perform on Saturday."
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss #SeanDyche praises #WayneHennessey after Newcastle win #BURNLEYFC

August 26, 2021
Burnley boss Sean Dyche praised summer signing Wayne Hennessey after the Clarets overcame Newcastle United on penalties in the Carabao Cup. Hennessey denied Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron from the spot as the Clarets booked their place in the third round following a goalless draw at St James’ Park. The Welsh goalkeeper – who joined Burnley on a free transfer after leaving Crystal Palace – also made key saves from Jeff Hendrick, Dwight Gayle and Javier Manquillo. “Generally, we huffed and puffed a bit, but the desire, the mentality, the will, the basics, if you like, saw us through the 90-odd minutes, and then it was a really secure situation with the penalty-takers," said Dyche. “They all looked confident and obviously Wayne made two great saves. I thought he was excellent. “His general play, his hands, getting used to the group of course as well and then two really good saves during the game – one brilliant save when he spread himself and another good save – and then two good saves in the penalty shoot-out. “It was a really pleasing night for him and a pleasing night for us all. The safety of him and the control of him, I thought he was excellent throughout.” The Clarets will host League Two side Rochdale in the third round, with all ties taking place in the week commencing September 20. Dyche’s men are back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Leeds United to Turf Moor (KO 2pm).
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl says Saints played some ‘fantastic football’ #SAINTSFC

August 26, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl praised the way his side dominated from the early stages as they went on to secure a club record-breaking 8-0 away win at Newport County, insisting: "We played some fantastic football." Saints took the lead in the ninth minute at a rocking Rodney Parade through Armando Broja. And they never looked back, with the Albanian striker scoring again, while Moi Elyounoussi bagged a hat-trick. There were also goals for Kyle Walker-Peters, Nathan Redmond and Nathan Tella as Premier League Saints thumped their League Two opponents, registering the largest margin of victory on the road in the club's 136-year existence. "I think it was a very, very deserved win," said boss Hasenhuttl. "It was a serious performance from the first minute. This is what you need against a lower league team. "To go into half-time 3-0 up and then try to push and try to keep the tempo high and then you can score a lot of goals. "It’s not that easy. You have to take it serious and you have to have a clear plan. "I think we managed it quite well. We played some fantastic football I think, but don’t hang it too high – it’s a lower league team. "But even if it’s not super difficult, you have to score eight goals, it’s not always that easy. "I know that a lot of teams have struggled here in the past and because of this it was a very good performance." Discussing the occasion created by the tightly-packed crowd of around 7,000 in south Wales, Hasenhuttl added: "It was a good atmosphere to be honest. "It was important to calm it down as quick as possible, because otherwise you never know what happens in such a ground. "We did it very professionally. It was a goal to score as quick as possible and this is what we did. It was still loud, it was a still a good noise, so a good cup game I think." Saints will head to Sheffield United in round three next month.
Adam Armstrong
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #AdamArmstrong on Southampton transfer, Blackburn and more #SAINTSFC

August 24, 2021
SAINTS striker Adam Armstrong reflects on what was a “whirlwind” move to the south-coast, admitting: “It’s intense, but as a footballer that’s what you want.” The former Newcastle forward joined Saints almost exactly two weeks ago to the date, and has made a big impact in those 13 days. The 24-year-old forward had been prepared and ready for a Championship season, though, amid rumours circling of a move elsewhere to the top-flight. He still took part in a full pre-season and had played games with Tony Mowbray’s Rovers side, although he did miss their opening fixture of the Championship campaign. Read more Adam Armstrong reflects on his Manchester United performance Saints' Hasenhuttl warns against Tino Livramento expectation Franny Benali wins Saints' first Forever Saint award Speaking about the transfer, Armstrong revealed: “It was a whirlwind. I got a phone call saying: ‘You need to go down to Southampton’. “I was training with Saints two days after training with Blackburn. “I knew some of the lads here already, like Stevo (Jack Stephens) from Coventry, I knew Kyle (Walker-Peters) from England youth and I knew Che (Adams) when playing against him in the Championship. “Everyone has settled us right in, it’s been brilliant.” Including an initial loan spell in League One, Armstrong spent three-and-a-half years with the Lancashire outfit – scoring 49 league goals. After a relatively long and prosperous spell with the club, Armstrong went round the whole club and thanked everybody from top to bottom before departing. Adam Armstrong provided the majority of Blackburn Rovers' goals during the 2020-21 season And for the fans, he had filmed and released a feature interview with the club website thanking them for the support. He reveals that that was his decision, saying: “That was my idea. You need to show the love. “I’d been there for three years. It was my second home. It was the first time I’d left Newcastle permanently. “The staff, the lads, they were all great with me. I had to show the appreciation for what they had done for me, they had got me to the Premier League.” Saints is now his second permanent club since leaving the Toon, and with a whole new bunch of teammates to link up with – the three aforementioned familiar characters aside – Armstrong has done well to fit in to the style of play. He looks a natural Ralph Hasenhuttl player, with the high-press just an innate feature of his game. Adam Armstrong in St Mary's action on his home debut That same press, along with Adams, led to his opening goal at Everton during the first weekend of the 2021-22 Premier League season – although it did all go sour in the second-half for Saints. He added: “I don’t know what it is, we just link up well. We actually have a really good connection off the pitch, that makes it much better on the pitch, it always helps. “It happens naturally but it has only been two games, we want to combine a lot more like that over the season. “I’ve had that in my game since I was a little lad (pressing). I’m quick. I like getting at defenders and pressing them. I played liked that under Mowbray at both Blackburn and Coventry. “It’s nothing new to me. I enjoy it and hopefully I can create chances off it as well, capitalising on mistakes just like we did against Everton.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss #SeanDyche on club’s transfer market spending #BURNLEYFC

August 24, 2021
Burnley boss Sean Dyche insists the Clarets are still looking for “the right players” in the transfer market. The club has made two summer signings so far, bringing in defender Nathan Collins from Stoke City and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey on a free transfer. Dyche’s men suffered a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool over the weekend, with Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane scoring either side of half-time. Despite the ALK Capital takeover last season, the Burnley boss admits it is tough to compete with the spending in the top-flight. “It is not necessarily disappointing because it has been life at Burnley ever since I have been here,” he said. “That has always been a challenge. “There is some financial situation that I think is slightly more open-minded, but we’ll see. It still has to be the right players, I’ve said all along. The model is what it is - I don’t think the new ownership is going to rip it up. “I think it is more a case of can we stretch a little bit, but within that you’ve still got to find the right players. There is only so many out there that fit in our model. “The market doesn’t care for our model. Ours is a very good one in the Premier League, as a business it has been very good – very challenging, but very good. “But football doesn’t care for that, doesn’t judge you on whether your business model is good. It judges you on getting players out there who can win games. “We have to keep working hard to find that balance and therefore get the players in when we can, and the ones who can help us.” The Clarets are back in action on Wednesday night when they head to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup second round (KO 7:45pm).