BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl has reiterated his desire to see the Premier League re-introduce five subs – stating that he was ‘absolutely positive’ that additional substitutions would solve the ‘intense problem’ the league has.
Almost as traditional as carol singers and mince pies at this time of year, criticism of the festive schedule has grown in fervour in recent weeks, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and his captain Jordan Henderson very outspoken on the issue.
When asked if he was in favour of the five-sub rule, a proposal that was shot down by his fellow Premier League managers in September 2020, he stated: “You know my opinion.
“When other leagues are thinking of five subs, and they have by far not this intense problem like we have, then you don’t have to ask me this question.
“I was absolutely positive for the five subs, and this is my opinion.”
The packed Christmas schedule has been exacerbated this year by a rapid rise in COVID cases, leading to multiple postponements – including Liverpool’s clash with Leeds on Boxing Day.
When asked about the COVID situation at St Mary’s, Hasenhuttl responded: "The COVID situation changes every day, so we will test today again but so far we are okay. So far, no COVID cases.”
"We try to stick to the rules, we try to do what’s helped us so far in staying safe and in the moment we don’t go indoors any more.”
The Austrian also revealed the more extreme lengths Saints were going to in order to keep themselves safe from the virus.
"Yesterday we dressed in the car and went home after the session, so not the perfect prep for the players definitely, but we try to minimise time around the training ground.
“If you have a case then we can separate this case immediately. This is what we did in the time when we had the most infections, and now we do it again.”
“We have a big squad so as long I see that we are sticking to the rules and trying to avoid any risk.
“I trust my players 100 per cent when they are not here. They know how they have to avoid risk at home.
“So far we have come through this period in a good way.
“That doesn’t mean we have had no cases, one or two cases you can always have but not an outbreak or 10, 12 or 13 players.”
