Being manager in Premier League is dream, says Ralph Hasenhuttl

However, while they failed to make it past the group stage, Hasenhuttl’s style of football and the way the younger players flourished under his tenure made him perfect for Southampton - a Saints side that struggled to make an impact under former managers since Mauricio Pochettino and Claude Puel left. But Hasenhuttl went on admit that he’s happy that he has finally reached the Premier League because it’s the dream for any manager. The Austrian was appointed by Southampton half-way through last season and has made quite an impression on not just the club but the league as well.

"Every step I've taken so far was important for my development as a coach and a manager because I think if you learn your job from the very fundamentals, it helps you massively when you are at the highest level because every mistake you make there can make a big impact in your performance. I'm very thankful that I got the chance to go through all my steps, from the youth up to the third, second and then first league in Germany and now the Premier League. If you want to have development as a manager then it's the best path I think,” Hasenhuttl told Sky Sports.

Southampton was struggling in 16 place and battling relegation when the Austrian arrived, with him turning around their fortunes and leading them back up the table. Not only that, the Austrian has won plaudits for playing an attractive style of football and picked up results against much better sides. That includes beating Arsenal in his first home game and getting the better of Tottenham, Everton and Leicester City amongst other sides. However, it was just the situation that Hasenhuttl thrives in, with him admitting that choosing a team in a tough situation was not a coincidence.