5 talking points from Southampton’s first two pre-season friendlies

Signings needed, but things look good

There are still some big tests to come in this pre-season and Saints will still need to improve on some things before their Premier League season gets underway, but things are looking good early on.

Particularly pleasing in the win over Cardiff was the attacking movement and the way they controlled proceedings by being patient in possession. The next test will be replicating the same performances levels against Swansea on Saturday.

Then as Levante and Athletic Bilbao arrive, the intensity will be pushed up another notch as the opening day clash with Everton edges closer.

Without getting carried away at all, it is very possible that Southampton could hit the ground running again as they did in 2020/21. The key to dealing with this is securing better squad depth so that injuries can be dealt with this time around.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent’s Adam Blackmore after the friendly win yesterday, Ralph Hasenhuttl did suggest that at least three more signings would be targeted and this could provide the options that Saints need to see the upcoming campaign out.