JAN Bednarek insisted Saints had “found our philosophy” under boss Ralph Hasenhuttl and insisted: “I can still become a better player.”

The Polish defender last month penned a new four-and-a-half year deal at St Mary’s, keeping himself on the south coast until at least the summer of 2025.

He has started every fixture under the Austrian manager this season and is likely to keep his place for the visit of Arsenal in the FA Cup tomorrow (12.15pm).

Asked whether he is excited about the club’s vision for the future, the defender said: “I think we have found our way.

“We’ve found our philosophy as a club. We stick to the plan and I think that’s the most important thing.

“We know what we have to do to become a really good team. Hard work.

“We know our goals, we have our goals and that’s what we are trying to do – to work as much as possible, as hard as possible to be the best version of ourselves. That’s what we are trying to do as a club.”

Bednarek has now made 94 appearances for Saints at senior level, having signed from Lech Poznan for a reported £5million back in 2017.

The 24-year-old added: “It’s the right place for me. I still feel I can improve a lot in my game, being at Southampton. That’s why I signed the contract.

“I really think with this manager, with these coaching staff I can step up. I can be a better player and so that’s the most important thing for me.

“I can still become a better player. I can still give a lot to the team and that’s why I signed a new contract.

“I think it’s a good step in my career. It’s a sign from the club and the people here that they really believe in me. They see I’m improving and they still see I can be a strong part of the team.”

Saints know victory over the Gunners would see them progress to the fifth round of the cup.

“It’s the shortest way to win a trophy,” said Bednarek. “We will try to go through, we will try to go as far as possible. Let’s see where it brings us.

“I think it’s nice always to play these cups. It’s just one game – you can really get a lot from it and it’s an opportunity for young lads to have some minutes in the tank.

“Let’s try to do as good as possible to win the game and go through.”