x

Hasenhuttl Expresses His Love For Southampton

Ralph Hasenhuttl has been talking to the media about his squad as well as his love for the area, the club and the relationship with CEO Martin Semmens, it is great to hear a Saints manager speak with such enthusiasm.

Next month will mark Ralph Hasenhuttl's second anniversary at Southampton Football club,at this moment it is probably hard to find a Saints supporter who won't celebrate that day when it arrives.

It seems he is very much at home in Southampton and he is enjoying the experience.

Speaking to German media outlet Kicker Ralph had this to say.

"My wife and I feel very much at home here, we love southern England, people like us. And I can fully concentrate on football here, the work is great fun,”

"With Martin Semmens, my chairman, I have someone by my side who supports me. We went through the time after Leicester together, and a trust grew there that I didn’t know before in this business. I can’t think of a better job at the moment.”

Certainly the fans feel the same way about Ralph, from the moment he arrived there seemed to be something different about him, he got an immediate connection with the supporters in a way similar to the way that Jurgen Klopp bonded with Liverpool supporters, which was not surprising given that even before his arrival at St Mary's his nickname in Germany was "Klopp Of The Alps"

You cannot imagine many of our previous managers joining in with the after match celebrations the way that Ralph does, certainly Mark Hughes seemed indifferent to the entire club other than those in his first team, but Klopp is different.

Ronald Koeman was of a similar vein, but even he was far far short of having the relationship with Saints supporters that Ralph has.

In the past Lawrie McMenemy was beloved by the fans, but his was more a media driven love, whereas Ralph is far more hands on, be it sprinting down the touchline when we score or his trademark bowing to the fans after a good win away from home.

If we can have another two seasons with the progress made at the same rate as the first two years, then this club could truly be up there with not only Koeman's side of 4 years ago, but perhaps even McMenemy's of the 70's/80's.

What to read next:

Cameron Gone
Jim McNulty confirmed in his latest video interview that the last of the out of contract players has now left the club.
Aidan Barlow Becomes Fifth Summer Signing
After an initial busy period, it's been quiet on the transfer front recently but today, out of nowhere, Dale made their fifth summer signing.
Jimmy Keohane Goes Home
News has come out of the club that Swiss Army Jimmy has rejected his contract offer from Dale and left the club.
Rodney Signs New Deal
Somewhat surprisingly you could say, Devante Rodney has signed a new 2-year contract at Dale!
Nevett Linked With Posh Move
Dale centre half George Nevett is now being linked with a big move to Peterborough United.
Three Scholars Offered New Deals
The club have now released their retained list for the Academy Scholars with three players offered new deals.
Brad Kelly Signs New Contract
Dale goalkeeper Brad Kelly has signed a new one-year deal to stay at Spotland.
Hendo Signs For Another Year
Dale striker Ian Henderson has signed a new one year contract to stay at Spotland, [insert goat emoji here]
Dale Sign Tanzanian International
Rochdale have added another winger to their ranks in the form of a Tanzanian International.
Into The Unknown by Chris Fitzgerald
Our very own messageboard regular Chris Fitzgerald has penned another book called Into The Unknown and it's out 1st July