RALPH Hasenhuttl recalled a brief period he spent training under Glenn Hoddle at Chelsea, admitting: "It's absolutely understandable that he didn't sign me!"
Hasenhuttl is set to take Saints to Stamford Bridge tomorrow (3pm), having proven his qualities to become a Premier League manager.
But it was not quite the same story as a player, when the Austrian international striker attempted to impress at Hoddle's Blues during the 1990s.
Asked if he was upset that Hoddle did not offer him a contract, Hasenhuttl replied: "Does he remember this!? That I was there once?
"Oh my God. I don’t know, I was not such a big number to be honest.
"So it’s absolutely understandable that he didn't sign me, to be honest!
"For the qualities I had, I don't know!
"I would really like to have played in the Premier League, definitely.
"And if he had told me at that time that I will return one time as a manager in a Premier League club, I would think he was a little bit crazy.
"So I did it and this is fantastic because I always loved English football and to be here as a manager I can definitely accept that I wasn't good enough as a player!
"It's even better that I'm good enough as a manager to be here."
Hasenhuttl is unbeaten at Stamford Bridge as a manager at Saints, registering one win and two draws so far.
