UK Edition
Nathan Redmond wins over critics as Ralph Hassenhuttl's work ethic lifts Southampton
No player embodies the impact that Ralph Hasenhuttl has had on Southampton quite like Nathan Redmond.
Before the Austrian’s arrival in December, Redmond had not scored a Premier League goal this season and was frequently the target of fan frustrations during the dismal tenures of Mauricio Pellegrino and, in the latter stages, Mark Hughes.
Now, the former Birmingham and Norwich forward is the first name on Hasenhuttl’s teamsheet, and has scored eight and assisted three goals under the manager.
“He likes this kind of pressing football because he wants to attack and run a lot,” said Hasenhuttl, whose side are almost safe from relegation following this weekend's victory over Wolves. “For me, it is unbelievable that he was very much criticised last season in this stadium.
“That’s the best thing for him as he sees that, if he works hard, as he is doing for the team, then the supporters immediately will support you completely differently. It is a very positive thing for him and helps us a lot.
“It is not easy if you feel they are booing if you make a mistake. Now if he makes a mistake, nobody cares because they can see he invests a lot and gives everything for the team. This is what I tell all of my guys all the time. If you work hard, the supporters do not care if you make mistakes.”
Cohesion between supporters and players was clear to see at the final whistle, with Hasenhuttl and his victorious squad saluting the stands in full Bundesliga style. The former RB Leipzig manager has won eight of his 18 games in charge and drawn three and there is genuine belief within the club that a push towards mid-table is possible in the remaining five games.
“Eight points clear [of the bottom three],” said midfielder Oriol Romeu. “It’s a completely different situation to where we were a few weeks ago and we still have five games left. The more we can add to our points this season, the better we’ll feel.
“I think the team is doing really well, so I’m sure we’ll get a lot more. We are in the perfect situation.
“If you had offered me that situation a few weeks ago, I’d have said, ‘Yeah, I’m happy to sign’. We’re here because we deserve to be and we’ve done really well and got the points that we wanted.”