Francis Benali predicts ‘big season’ ahead for Ralph Hasenhuttl and Southampton

Southampton are heading into what will be a big season for the club, according to former defender Francis Benali, as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side look to push up the Premier League table.

Although Saints reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last term, losing to Manchester City, their league form tailed off badly, ending with nine defeats from the final 12 matches of the campaign to finish 15th.

While many of those results were decided by fine margins, Hasenhuttl has moved to strengthen his squad, backed in the summer transfer window by the club’s new owners, Sport Republic.

Promising 18-year-old midfielder Romeo Lavia has arrived from Manchester City, along with Joe Aribo from Rangers, while striker Sekou Mara comes in from Bordeaux to bolster the attacking options and fellow 20-year-old Armel Bella-Kotchap will provide cover at the back after arriving from Bochum.

Benali, who played 389 games for Southampton over a 16-year spell until 2004, feels there are plenty of reasons to be positive ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener at Tottenham – but knows Hasenhuttl’s squad will be expected to show they can deliver consistent performances.

“There is always that optimism this time of year for every football fan, with a lot of hope, but it is clearly going to be a big season in many ways (for Southampton),” Benali told the PA news agency.

“The run-in we had from the back end of last season was pretty dreadful, and it is important to get as a good a start as we can.

“The fixtures have made it quite a tough-looking one for Saints, but that is the challenge of the Premier League – you have to play the games at some point.

“So why not get under way with some difficult ones and come through them with some positive performances