RALPH Hasenhuttl thinks being in the management game for so long has helped him “see the bigger picture” when it comes to younger players.

The 55-year-old Austrian has been at the helm of the St Mary’s club for nearly four years having arrived in December 2018.

Hasenhuttl, formerly an international striker, began his management career in 2007 with German lower-league outfit SpVgg Unterhaching.

Saints CEO Martin Semmens has credited Hasenhuttl for his willingness to play young players and, during the fans’ forum this summer, pointed to his philosophy as essential for Saints to grow without a big-six club’s budget.

No club in the Premier League has played under-21 players more than Saints this season.

“In the first part, they should be good footballers,” Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo, when asked why Saints is one of the best places for them to come.

“That helps massively with feeling at home here and to help us but absolutely, the other part, I think when you are a little bit long as a manager like I am, you see the bigger picture as well to help them to support them in their lives.”

He added: “This is also our task to do and we know this and everybody in my staff and around the players will support them.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook