MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 00:37:16| >> :120:8484:8484:

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl focused on improving defensive record

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl focused on improving defensive record
© Reuters
Saints have conceded four goals in three matches.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl admits he is focused on tightening up their defence as they are yet to keep a clean sheet.

Saints have conceded four goals in three matches and while they have not been taken apart by any opponent yet, it is an area which requires attention.

Saturday's opponents are free-scoring West Ham, who have found the net 10 times, and Hasenhuttl is aware his side need to be at their defensive best.

"The amount of goals we conceded in the first three games was above the average we try to have so far," said the Saints boss.

"This is what we have to change, this is a tricky topic for the last weeks. It's getting more and more difficult in the Premier League to have clean sheets, you see it every weekend.

"Teams are getting stronger and it's not so easy. A few chances are enough for the opponent to score and this is what makes it so difficult.

"Especially in the last game (a last-gasp 2-2 draw with Newcastle), we normally should've won it and we had the bigger chances.

"Conceding in the end a goal, what is absolutely to defend, and this is what we have to discuss."

West Ham have continued their good form from the end of last season and have taken seven points from nine to sit second in the table.

Southampton have not beaten their London opponents in seven matches and Hasenhuttl is conscious of the threat they pose, with Michail Antonio the Premier League's early leading scorer with four.

"We know the strength that they have: very good individual qualities in the team but also a very clear and efficient way of playing football. This is the reason why they've been so successful," he added.

"They don't give you many chances of winning balls because they don't take many risks building up.

"They have quick counter-attacks, quick ball into the striker and a very dynamic strong guy in Antonio. He can decide games by his own.

"For scoring in the right moments they don't need a lot of chances to score. This is part of a top team."

ID:463083:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2876:
Written by
P A

Click here for more stories about Ralph Hasenhuttl

Click here for more stories about Southampton

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl on August 28, 2021
Read Next:
Ralph Hasenhuttl glad to have added strength in depth as Saints absentees rise
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!