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Ralph Hasenh\u00fcttl has labelled steering Southampton to Premier League safety as one of his biggest managerial achievements.<\/p>\nRalph Hasenh\u00fcttl has labelled steering Southampton to Premier League safety as one of his biggest managerial achievements.<\/p>\n
Saints\u2019 Austrian boss paid tribute to Saints\u2019 coaches and players for trusting his taskmaster methods, to turn a \u201chorrible situation\u201d in December into top-flight security in April.<\/p>\n
Southampton sat 18th in the Premier League table with just nine points from 15 games when Hasenh\u00fcttl took the helm in early December.<\/p>\n
The 51-year-old has guided Saints to 29 points from 21 games, with Saturday\u2019s 3-3 draw with Bournemouth at St Mary\u2019s sealing top-flight safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was really one of the most difficult jobs for me as a manager to come back with this team,\u201d said Hasenh\u00fcttl.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody knows after my first game we were five behind Cardiff, with a very tough schedule over Christmas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very happy, and we have the feeling we deserve these points, because we did a lot for it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is amazing, I think a bit tired after a very intense, crazy game.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut happy, very happy, for the club, supporters, players staff, everybody who is with us.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd to be safe two games before the end of the season is tremendous, amazing, sensational.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe training camp in Tenerife after losing my first game at Cardiff (1-0) was a horrible situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd how we built the belief there, it was really, really hard work and intensive.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of players showed you can expect much more from them than they had shown in the first part of the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I would like to thank the players for believing in that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Callum Wilson bagged a brace and missed a gilt-edged late chance to complete a hat-trick that would have floored Saints in front of their own fans.<\/p>\n
Shane Long, James Ward-Prowse and Matt Targett all produced fine finishes for Saints.<\/p>\n
Targett headed the 1,000th Premier League goal of the season \u2013 his maiden top-flight strike and the finish that seals Saints safety and another \u00a3100million windfall next term.<\/p>\n
Dan Gosling slotted Bournemouth\u2019s other goal with England star Wilson providing the assist in an impressive display.<\/p>\n
Hasenh\u00fcttl gathered his players in the center circle at full-time, as Saints waited for the final score from Cardiff\u2019s trip to Fulham.<\/p>\n
The Bluebirds\u2019s 1-0 loss at Craven Cottage rubber-stamped Saints\u2019 safety, with Hasenh\u00fcttl admitting he felt it important to mark the achievement with his squad.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to celebrate that moment with my players, my staff, because the time we\u2019ve been working together we\u2019ve enjoyed a lot,\u201d said Hasenh\u00fcttl.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were always waiting for the moment when we were safe. The first step is done now.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then I told them they are off until Wednesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot having to listen to me until then is the best present I can give them!\u201d<\/p>\n
Cherries boss Howe hailed his side for battling out the draw, with Wilson gaining top plaudits.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a big chance to win the game at the end, but I\u2019m really pleased with the fighting characteristics and pride that we showed,\u201d said Howe.<\/p>\n
\u201cCallum played very well today, physically he was a real threat and he took his goals well too.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth teams really tried to win the game and go for it, with a lot of tactical reshuffles from both managers; it was really interesting and good to be involved in.<\/p>\n
\u201cI respect their manager a lot and I think they will be a lot stronger next year.\u201d<\/p>\n