Kevin Danso says Ralph Hasenhuttl was “pivotal” behind Southampton transfer

After watching Saints’ desperate 3-0 loss to Burnley on Saturday, Southampton fans will be hoping Kevin Danso is the man to solve Southampton’s problematic defence.

Austrian defender Danso joined Southampton on deadline on an initial loan with an exclusive option to buy from Bundesliga club FC Augsburg.

And while Saints fans are happy to have Danso on board, the 20-year-old is seemingly elated to join up with Southampton.

Danso, who spent a lot of his adolescent years growing up in England, has longed to play for a Premier League club since he was a kid, but it was compatriot manager Ralph Hasenhuttl who he says was “pivotal” behind his choice to sign with Saints.

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“I was just sitting there hoping the deal would go through and it was very last-minute but I’m happy to be here,” he said in his first interview with the club [transcript via Daily Echo].

“He [Hasenhuttl] was very influential.

“I know him, and I know the work he has done in the Bundesliga.

“He is also Austrian, and I am Austrian. It was very pivotal for me and it was a part of the decision to come here.

“I’m ready to get to know him and his tactics. We haven’t talked in too much detail, but he said a few things he expects from me in general.”