Hasenhüttl: We weren't good enough in transition
Ralph Hasenhüttl admitted Southampton were not good enough in transition going forward, as they exited the Emirates FA Cup at the semi-final stage, on a disappointing evening at Wembley Stadium.
Saints were beaten 1-0 by Leicester, as a 55th-minute Kelechi Iheanacho goal separated the teams in a game of minimal opportunities at both ends.
That effort, in fact, was registered as the only shot on target in the entire game, so, although Hasenhüttl was pleased with the way his team limited the threat of their opponents, he conceded that they had not been good enough going forward to warrant progressing to what would have been a first FA Cup final in 18 years.
"We played aggressive, a high line, which against Vardy is always a little bit risky, but this was the reason why we had normally more possession I think also," he said.
"We had a lot of ball wins in their half, very early ball wins, but this is the problem in the moment, that when we have these early ball wins that we are not really good enough in transition.
"In the offensive transition we were a little bit lacking in quality today and then the final pass, the final dribble, the final finish, we had a few good moments where we were dribbling on the back four or back five and then couldn't finish or couldn't even shoot on the goal.
"Finally, we tried a lot, didn't score, and that's the reason why we are stepping out of the competition.
"We can be disappointed, because with a little bit more luck I think it was more possible today.
"We saw a game that was very tight, both teams were defending very well, not really creating a lot of chances, but we had a few ones. I think Ibra's shot was the closest, maybe, but when you are not scoring then it is difficult to win.
"Defending-wise, I must say it was one of our better games this season, only one time they were through and really had a chance, or I think two times, in the first half also when Vardy was one-on-one against the goalkeeper, but we didn't give them a lot of chances.
"How the goal happened was a little bit unlucky, I think. It's disappointing when such a goal decides such a tough game.
"What was a little bit missing was after then, the last 20 minutes, that we are a little bit more calm on the ball and create chances.
"I think the belief was not really there that we can, and then it was a lot of kick and rush, but ok, we tried everything.
"We knew what sort of game it would be today, and when they are one up then it's tough because the back five is strong, physically strong, and it was tough to create chances. In the end we lost, but we will come again next year and try again."
