RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted there is “a lot of work to do” this summer, anticipating it will be difficult to stay in the Premier League again next season.
Saints are heading into their first summer transfer window under new owners Sport Republic next month, knowing supporters expect to see ambition.
The poor run of form to end the current campaign has exposed areas that need improvement, and contract situations including the goalkeepers’ are coming to a head.
Hasenhuttl expects to be busy, one way or another, in order to keep this side in the top-flight again by next summer.
“When you want to change the team you have to bring in players who are better than the ones you have, I don’t have to tell you how this looks like on the market,” he said, looking ahead to summer.
“Otherwise you don’t have to change the team. When you want to get better you need to have players who are better, or have more potential to get better when they with us.”
He added: “Both ways are doable. The fact is, like every season, we have a lot of work to do and it doesn't get easier.
“We are in the Premier League and it will be again a very tough job to stay there.”
Saints have one game left of the current season, when they visit Leicester City on Sunday at 4PM.
"It’s true that it wont be the most watched game on the weekend but for us it is important, like everyone’s," Hasenhuttl added.
"We want to end up in a good way and get a little bit of good feeling for the summer break. As you know, the last results haven’t been that good so it’s another chance for showing up and for getting a better result.
"It is a team that is in good form and we are struggling a little bit, we see how tough it is and it will be an interesting weekend. We have our game to play and we want to do it in a good way."
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