Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed that he thinks the job he currently holds is the perfect one for him.
Recent media links suggested that he was on the managerial shortlists of Aston Villa and Norwich City as they looked to fill their vacancies before appointing Steven Gerrard and Dean Smith respectively. However, Hasenhuttl reiterated that his role at St Mary’s means that things could not get much better.
Speaking to the media ahead of the 2-1 loss to Norwich (as written by Hampshire Live), the Austrian said:
"“I cannot imagine a much better job than I have here. This is what I always looking for in my whole, entire managing career. I have managed Champions League clubs. It is for me a very interesting job here. I cannot imagine a lot of things that I want to do more than being a manager here in this club.”"
Southampton provide a home to manager who will be in demand
There are many aspects to his managerial style that will make Ralph Hasenhuttl an attractive option to clubs now and in the future.
His style of play sees a high energy shown by his players and, when carried out to perfection, this can win games at any level and get a fanbase on-side.
Another huge part of his footballing ideals is the use of young players and commitment to developing talent, whether that be from a club’s academy or from signing players of potential.
This makes him perfect for Southampton right now as they try to revamp their youth system but will also prove valuable at other clubs. There is certainly more room for a young player at Southampton than at some of the bigger clubs in England though given the comparative need for domestic success.
What Southampton have done themselves is unique really in the modern age of football.
They have given Hasenhuttl a chance to stamp his own ideas on their setup and this is perhaps refreshing for the Austrian given the very structured environment that he came from at Red Bull Leipzig.
Hasenhuttl divides opinion in the Saints fanbase sometimes but he is still the right man for the club. The club have to do their own bit and find a new investor to work with, which will in turn open up the ability to spend more on the first-team squad and the academy system.