Ralph Hasenhüttl is pleased to be returning home after an intense stretch on the road for his team, and he is hoping to sign off from Premier League action for a few weeks with a confidence-boosting result against Brighton.
Saints host the Seagulls tomorrow before a three-week break from the top-flight, as attention turns to the FA Cup quarter-final with Bournemouth before a pause in the schedule for international fixtures.
With the last four games having seen Hasenhüttl's side travel to Leeds, Everton, Sheffield United and Manchester City, the sight of St Mary's is a welcome one, even if the midweek trip to Etihad Stadium has left little in the way of preparation time.
"It would be nicer if we have a whole week to prepare. A few days is not so perfect, but, ok, we don't have to travel again," said the Saints manager. "We did that four times in a row now and we are looking forward to this game.
"I think we are in a good atmosphere, although we lost the last game, but we did some good things and some we spoke about haven't been that good. Friday it was a little bit lighter of a session, to recover more, and getting the mindset fresh for the weekend, because we have to be hungry and fresh."
ralph hasenhüttl
to go with self-confidence in the cup game against bournemouth is also important.
southampton manager
Following tomorrow's game, Saints will have a full week to prepare for Bournemouth, with the subsequent international break also providing further opportunities for some valuable time on the training pitch, and, with league games against Burnley, West Brom and Crystal Palace to follow, Hasenhüttl is hopeful of going into this period in his spirits.
"A good result is always helpful," he said. "To go with self-confidence in the cup game against Bournemouth is also important to take a win here, and then we have time to work on a few things.
"The next games are important for us, and we try to give the best performance to take as many points as possible."
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