Southampton captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg says his side need to “dig deep” as they aim to move on from Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to Chelsea. The Saints have had a mixed start to the season to say the least, taking seven points from eight games to leave themselves 17th in the table heading into the October internationals.
After a 3-1 home defeat to Bournemouth and a 2-1 reverse at Tottenham, Sunday’s showing was arguably their worst of the campaign. Danny Ings netted for the Saints after half an hour but by that time they were already two down through goals from Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount.
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N’Golo Kante then netted before the break and Michy Batshuayi completed the scoring in the closing stages for Chelsea. Sunday’s result has prompted suggestions that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s job could now be in danger after under a year in charge.
The October international break provides the Austrian with the chance to work with his players on the training ground in a bid to try and iron out some of their undoubted flaws. Captain Hojbjerg was clearly hurt by Sunday’s showing and acknowledges improvements need to be made.
The 24-year-old is one of those heading off in the next fortnight, with Denmark duty calling. While doubts continue to surround his future, his all-action style and commitment indicate that club matters are unlikely to be far from his mind.
The former Bayern Munich-man says his side owe their supporters something extra and has called on his team-mates to work together and find a solution to their ongoing issues.
“We need to give the fans and everyone around the club what they deserve,” he said. “We want to work on the next game already and look forward. “At the moment looking back is not the easiest part. It isn’t acceptable so we need to put our heads together and show our personalities. Dig deep, it’s pretty simple.”
