Ralph Hasenhuttl not worried about doubters as Southampton squad rotation pays off

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl insists he does not need to justify himself to social media doubters after executing a perfect gameplan to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Hasenhuttl’s decision to make nine changes for Wednesday’s fifth-round tie with West Ham raised plenty of eyebrows, particularly among online sceptics.

But the Austrian’s makeshift selection was vindicated as Saints progressed courtesy of a deserved 3-1 success over their Premier League rivals.

Half-time substitute Armando Broja changed the game in the hosts’ favour, winning a penalty which was converted by James Ward-Prowse and then completing the scoring late on after Michail Antonio briefly cancelled out Romain Perraud’s first-half rocket.

Asked about the initial negativity surrounding his substantial squad rotation, Hasenhuttl said: “I don’t need to be on social media because my job is to be a manager and to look what my guys are offering.

“A few guys who started today brought us to this game; they were responsible that we had this game. It’s on me to not only speak about trust but to show trust. And I knew that I have five subs.

“The longer the game goes, you can make two subs in the half-time and another three in the second and then you bring a few threats on the pitch.

“I spoke with David Moyes after the game and he said that this was the difference today because he couldn’t bring on the fresh, good players and they decided the game. We are in the draw. This was the goal for tonight.”

French full-back Perraud stylishly set Southampton on course for victory with his first goal for the club, lashing home a swerving strike from more than 25 yards.

One-time Saints loanee Antonio briefly levelled for the Hammers by poking home from a corner but