Southampton: Ralph Hasenhuttl reduced to tears after win over Liverpool

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl was reduced to tears after seeing his side put in a tireless display to beat Liverpool on Monday evening.

The Austrian sunk to his knees in his technical area as the full-time whistle was blown and was visibly emotional after a win that that will live long in the memory.

Danny Ings’ first-half goal proved enough to secure the three points for Saints but a superb defensive display also proved vital as Liverpool fought back strongly in the second period.

Speaking to southamptonfc.com after the game, Hasenhuttl said:

"“I cannot say how proud I am of my team. I think the mentality we showed today, was the perfect one. The young lads came in and did a good job. We defended unbelievably well.“I don’t know if we had more mentality than the other team but we wanted it more. This is why we throw everything in. This was, for me, absolutely amazing.”"

Hasenhuttl is an emotional man on the touchlines normally and anyone who has watched his Saints team play at St Mary’s will have seen him kicking every ball with his players.

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However, his reaction after this latest win was the biggest outpouring of pride that we have seen from him yet.

It is perhaps the realisation that his plans are coming together and bearing fruit. Every player that wore a red and white shirt on Monday evening fought for the cause and for their boss – something that is clear even when results are not going their way.

Injuries reduced options from the bench for this game but it was telling that youngsters Nathan Tella, Dan N’Lundulu and Yan Valery all came on and put in showings that equalled their teammates’ endeavours.

A tough recent spell had seen Saints struggling to hit top form, but it is hugely encouraging that they have responded in this way to see off the current league champions.

They move back up to sixth in the Premier League table and can look forward to improving their position over the course of January.