SOUTHAMPTON boss Ralph Hasenhuttl insists there will be no bad blood when Jose Mourinho returns to St Mary’s on Saturday.
Mourinho was booked during Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat on the south coast on New Year’s Day for angrily venturing into the home dugout.
Ralph Hasenhuttl looks on as ref Mike Dean books Jose Mourinho in the first clashCredit: AFP or licensors
Jose Mourinho confronts Southampton goalkeeping coach Andrew SparkesCredit: BT Sport
Ralph Hasenhuttl is confident there will be no fall-out from the feisty New Year’s Day clashCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Spurs boss remonstrated with Saints’ goalkeeping coach Andrew Sparkes over what he saw as timewasting.
Then he branded Sparkes “an idiot” in the press conference.
Yet when asked ahead of Spurs’ visit for their FA Cup tie if there was any animosity, Hasenhuttl replied: “I don’t think so.
“Emotions are part of the game. Jose is a fantastic guy and Andrew is also a fantastic guy.
“It was a running gag in the game — and also after the game in our office.
“But Jose is a good guy and I think this is normal sometimes in a game — that emotions are running high. I don’t hang it too high.”
FIGHTING TO KEEP JANNIK
Southampton centre-back Jannik Vestergaard, who misses tomorrow’s clash with concussion, has emerged as a surprise target for Leicester.
Yet Saints are not keen to sell and would only consider doing so for more than the £18million they paid Borussia Monchengladbach for the giant Dane’s services 18 months ago.
Hasenhuttl said: “I know that Martin (Semmens, Saints’ chief executive) is in contact with his agent and we know about the rumours.
“But I need the players that I have. If you give them away to make other teams stronger, I do not see the benefit to me.”
Hasenhuttl has confirmed his desire to keep hold of Leeds target Che Adams — and hinted the striker could be let loose against Tottenham.
He added: “Che shows every week, and when he is coming on as a sub, that he is an important part of the team.”
This Saturday’s Premier league sees Watford take on Tottenham and Newcastle v Chelsea
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
