Ralph Hasenhüttl has revealed how he used the international break to take his players on a team-building exercise, pitting them against each other in a sailing challenge.
The Saints boss used one of the days during the first week to take his players out onto the water, following their morning training session.
Hasenhüttl explained how the gap in the schedule had given him an opportunity to do something different with the squad, ahead of their return to Premier League action, away to Sheffield United, this Saturday.
"In the first week we didn't have so many players here, but we tried to work out on the pitch, and we had one very good team event where we went sailing," he said.
ralph hasenhüttl
it was a good race between the staff and players – and finally with the right champions!
southampton manager
"I think the players enjoyed it, it was fantastic weather, and we took the time to have a good team event.
"I think it's always interesting for the players to do some things that are not very normal. To go together on the boat and work hard was fun, and I think they enjoyed it.
"It's an interesting experience, and I like these things sometimes when you have time to do it, as a little bit of a different thing to training sessions every day and I think they enjoyed it.
"Then, after a good weekend when the guys had a few days off, we started on Tuesday preparing for a difficult Sheffield United game. Players were coming back from international games without injuries, which was important, and fit and hungry to take the next step."
And, as for who won the sailing challenge...
"I can say that the staff is fantastic! My coaches were very busy and we had a very good skipper.
"It was a good race between the staff and the players – and finally with the right champions!"
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