Hasenhüttl: It was the expected “tough test”
Ralph Hasenhüttl believes his side can learn from the 3-1 defeat at the hands of Athletic Club, as pre-season came to a close for Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday.
Theo Walcott’s second half strike wasn’t enough to preserve the home side’s unbeaten pre-season record, with Hasenhüttl ready to work on the training pitch before next Saturday's Premier League opener at Everton.
“It was the expected tough test in the end,” the manager began. “It’s what we wanted to have against a very good opponent, which shows us exactly what went well and where we still have problems.
“I like to have a test where you see the issues you have and then you can work on this next week. It was a good test; the first two goals we gave away a little too easy I think, but the third was fantastic play.
“With a few changes, I am getting more and more the view of what is the first 11 next weekend.”
Giving recent signing Tino Livramento a first appearance off the bench, the full-back made an instant impact by assisting Walcott, leaving Hasenhüttl encouraged whilst still wanting to further bolster his squad.
“Tino in his first 45 minutes showed that he is a good lad who can help us. He immediately showed that he is a fantastic young player and it’s important that we have him.
“We lost a very important striker in Danny Ings and we have to replace him. I’m sure we have to do something [in the transfer market], as we definitely need something.”
