Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl insists one of his main priorities is to keep hold of captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
One of Hasenhuttl’s first acts after arriving at St Mary’s Stadium last month was to install Denmark international Hojbjerg as his new captain and the midfielder has certainly appeared to thrive in that role – despite his sending off against Manchester City over the festive period.
Hojbjerg’s impressive form has reportedly caught the eye of a number of top European clubs and Hasenhuttl is not surprised by the interest, but he is determined to build his team around the 23-year-old.
“I see him as the captain for the future if he doesn’t get so many red cards,” Hasenhuttl told a Southampton fans’ forum. “I know that a lot of good and famous clubs in Europe have him on their list.
“Pierre is a player who has a lot of things that I want to have from a player in my team. “He is one of the guys who you can build a team around. He is professional, very hard working and is one of our key players.”
Hojbjerg returned from suspension for last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Everton and is in line to feature once again when the Saints welcome Crystal Palace to St Mary’s Stadium in the Premier League on Wednesday.
