Southampton supervisor Ralph Hasenhuttl says it’s a good factor to see a heavyweight membership like Chelsea undergo a tough patch as the 2 sides put together to satisfy this weekend.
The Blues have misplaced back-to-back dwelling video games over the previous week, taking place 4-1 to Brentford within the Premier League and 3-1 to Actual Madrid within the Champions League.
It’s only the second time Chelsea have misplaced successive matches in all competitions this time period, whereas by no means earlier than beneath Thomas Tuchel have they misplaced two league video games in a row.
Certainly, Tuchel – appointed by the west London aspect in January 2021 – has managed probably the most matches with out dropping consecutive video games within the historical past of the competitors (48).
Regardless of Chelsea’s latest wobble, nonetheless, Hasenhuttl is anticipating the guests to be on high of their sport at St Mary’s on Saturday.
“It’s factor to see that the large groups are struggling typically. The unhealthy factor is that this doesn’t occur fairly often,” he stated at Thursday’s pre-match information convention.
“So, as I do know them and the way they work, he’ll positively be essential with them and can attempt to present a response.
“I all the time count on probably the most troublesome opponent, even when they win this sport 3-0 and have the subsequent leg on Tuesday in opposition to Madrid.
“I do know Saturday’s sport is essential for them additionally, and a Premier League sport for Chelsea is all the time essential in opposition to us, particularly as a result of it’s not straightforward coming right here.
“I believe it is going to be a troublesome sport, robust battle and we are going to attempt to make it as robust for them as potential.”
Karim Benzema netted a hat-trick in Madrid’s victory, changing into the second participant after Cristiano Ronaldo in 2017 to attain consecutive Champions League knockout-game trebles.
Requested what he realized from Madrid’s midweek win at Stamford Bridge, Hasenhuttl joked: “That you simply want a participant like Benzema to win in opposition to them!
“That is what we have now realized. I believe those that noticed the sport noticed a really, excellent Actual Madrid aspect. Surprisingly good, I have to say, that they performed on this approach.
“First half the best way Chelsea performed shouldn’t be adequate for the Champions League. Thomas is aware of this.
“It’s attention-grabbing additionally such a group additionally appeared like they had been affected by the house loss to Brentford. You might really feel it. They weren’t so assured with every thing they did.”
Chelsea have misplaced simply certainly one of their 13 Premier League video games at St Mary’s and are unbeaten of their final eight visits since a 2-1 loss in March 2013.
