As it is revealed that both Mario Lemina and Charlie Austin have been removed from the Saints squad for pre season, it is clear that Ralph Hasenhuttl is standing no nonsense.
This summer has already seen several high profile players across the continent refuse to play for their clubs in order to try and force a move away when they have had their heads turned and indeed two years ago Saints found themselves in the same position with Virgil Van Dyke throwing his toys out of the prams.
Back then Saints stood their ground but ultimately had to concede defeat, now things have changed though and in Ralph Hasenhuttl they have a manager strong enough to impose his will on the squad and not be backed down.
That has been shown by the way he has removed both Charlie Austin and Mario Lemina from the squad and refused to let them upset hire season plans.
Although it has to be said that they are both in different situations.
Lemina has clearly been a problem player for the club, stories of his off the field lifestyle have circulated and now after having his head turned by rumoured big club interest he has behaved badly making ill advised statements and clearly Ralph feels he is better away from the squad.
I do have some sympathy though for Charlie Austin, he has turned down a drop to the Championship with West Brom and that is fair enough as he wants Premier League football, he has stated that he is prepared to stay and fight for his place, but clearly there is something that Hasenhuttl doesn't like and he too is isolated.
There is probably no going back for either of them now, hopefully we will get a decent fee for both, Charlie Austin should be wished well, perhaps a lot less so Mario Lemina who is not turningput to be either a class midfielder or anything classy off it either.