Ralph Hasenhuttl wants Southampton to learn lessons after another defeat

Ralph Hasenhuttl knows Southampton are in for a “different game” when Manchester City visit in the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend but challenged his squad to learn from Sunday’s loss at home to Watford.

The Saints were consigned to a third successive defeat after Cucho Hernandez hit a brace for the relegation-threatened visitors with Mohamed Elyounoussi’s first-half effort a mere consolation.

It further dented the south-coast club’s slim European prospects following losses to Aston Villa and Newcastle, which places even more significance on Sunday’s visit of City.

After struggling to turn possession into goals of late, Southampton know they will largely be without the ball for the cup tie against Pep Guardiola’s men but Hasenhuttl feels there are lessons to take from recent results.

“It will definitely be a different game than this one. We will be the ones under pressure and let’s have a look to see if we can learn something,” the Austrian said.

“We have to learn as a young team to stay cool, stay patient and to break them down. To still create chances to score.

“Our decision making (against Watford) was driven by stress and impatience, from not waiting for the right moment because of what I just said.

“This is what we are missing at the moment.”

Hasenhuttl left Armando Broja on the bench and although the nine-goal striker was introduced at the break, he struggled to make an impact.

Tino Livramento was also inconspicuous by his absence with the talented right-back a regular for Saints this season aside from a knee injury which saw him sidelined for the whole of January.

“Maybe, yes,” Hasenhuttl responded when asked if Livramento would be fit to face City.

“Tino is OK but after a long injury break he needed a break.