The Saint

[Tobey Mason]

Southampton Thrown Into Turmoil As Nicola Cortese Resigns
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Southampton Football Club have been left to pick up the pieces after their influential chairman Nicola Cortese has decided to resign from his position with immediate effect. The Italian mastermind who brokered the deal when Southampton were brought by Markus Liebherr has sensationally decided that his time on the South Coast has come to an end. Rumours have surfaced that he and the current owner Katharina Liebherr (Markus Liebherr's daughter) have fallen out due to a differing of views regarding the clubs future ambitions and it's Transfer policy. It's been revealed by club sources that Katharina is looking to cash in on such stars as Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Rickie Lambert. Cortese who has seen the club climb from League 1 to the Premiership within three years is furious with the idea of selling the clubs top players, all of whom fit in with Southampton's philosophy of breeding young English talent within the club.

With a Cortese sized hole now embedded into the club, fans are worried that top players could now want to move on to pastures anew. With Cortese now out of the picture will Katharina Liebherr be allowed to sell these top players unopposed? The news that Mauricio Pochettino will now be considering his future with the club has only added to the fans worries as the young Argentinian manager has created a successful dynamic within the club. It's still to be announced if he is willing to work under a new regime now Cortese has left and it has been well documented that Pochettino has a strong relationship with the clubs former chairman. There is further speculation linking Cortese to an unnamed Italian club which is believed to be Inter Milan. It's been suggested that Cortese would even go as far as offering the managers job to Pochettino if things didn't work out with Inters current manager Walter Mazzarri.

Southampton who have finally established themselves as a Premier League team once again are enjoying a successful spell at the moment. They have survived their first season back in the top flight and have impressed many in doing so. Wins against Chelsea and Manchester City last season have proved just how strong this Southampton team can be.

The club has always produced fantastic English talent and in recent years Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlaid-Chamberlain and Gareth Bale have all walked off the brilliant production line that still exists at the club today. Unfortunately these players were sold under the clubs previous mantra, Southampton not being as financially secure as they are today and perhaps not playing at the level these players would have liked to have tested themselves at. However the club is still producing fantastic young talent. Adam Lallana who is now the clubs captain is a fine example of this. He was bought from Bournemouth at a young age but learnt his trade with Southampton and chose to stay with the Saints while they climbed the leagues when things weren't so rosey for the club. Luke Shaw and James Ward-Prowse were given a lot of playing time last season and both have been touted as future England stars. Luke Shaw has even been linked to big money moves away from the club as Chelsea and Manchester United circle. Another English talent is Rickie Lambert who has enjoyed a fairytale career, once plying his trade in the obscurity of lower league football he is now Southampton's main striker and has recently played his first games for England (even scoring on his debut). Nathaniel Clyne has also established himself as a first team regular and shows plenty of promise. Two more young players to look out for this season are Callum Chambers and Sam Gallagher who according to club officials have been progressing extremely well in the Under 18's league.

So with things within the club seemingly dangling on a knife-edge it will be interesting to see how things develop throughout Pre-Season. Will Pochettino stay? Will Katharina Liebherr be allowed to sell the clubs prized assets? How will Cortese's departure affect Southampton FC? Who will be the next Chairman of the club? With plenty for the media to speculate on it is certainly a nail biting time for every Southampton fan at present.

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[TodayForTomorrow]

Great looking start mate, will be following this

 

[Tobey Mason]

Breaking News!

Pochettino Stays!

A huge sigh of relief could be heard all around Southampton when the news filtered through that Mauricio Pochettino would be staying on as the clubs manager...for now. The talented Argentinian did however state that he didn't know how long he would remain as the clubs manager though as he was yet to think about anything beyond the end of the 2013-2014 season. At a crowded press conference which was held deep within Saint Mary's in their main conference room. Pochettino finally explained some of the issue regarding Cortese, Katherina Liebherr and the ongoing Transfer speculation regarding his team.

June 27th 2013
Saint Mary's - Main Conference Room
14:10pm
Pochettino speaks to the media

Daley Huntington - Southern Daily Echo

"Maurico it has been a testing time of late with the news that Nicola won't be staying on as the clubs chairman, how has that affected you?"

Mauricio Pochettino

"I would be lying if I said that I hadn't been affected by the decision. It was a shock and when I got the telephone call from him. I let him know just how much he will be missed. It has only affected me in the sense that I will now have to build a relationship with a new chairman but I am happy to do so and I look forward to whoever will be appointed coming in and working with me."

Tony Weaver - The Metro

"So does this mean you will be staying on Southampton Football Clubs manager"

Mauricio Pochettino

"Of course I will, I feel I am in the middle of a well thought out, logical project. I am surrounded by players who want to fight for a fantastic cause and who deliver what is necessary in training, in matches and off the field. The fans are simply brilliant and I feel that together we are in for an exciting future."

Gemma Button - Daily Mail

"So you're here for the next few years then Mauricio?"

Mauricio Pochettino

"I will remain here for as long as I feel needed and for as long as I feel I can make a difference. In six months time if we are bottom of the table I may not be needed. In ten months time if we qualify for Europe I may feel I have done as much as I can or the fans may want a manager of a better standard than me. Only time will tell."

Raj Talihaam - The Chronicle

"You have already confirmed the capture of Victor Wanyama and Dani Osvaldo this season will there be anymore Transfer activity this year?"

Mauricio Pochettino

"We are looking at the squad and are always thinking about ways we can improve whether that is from the off or for the future. I can confirm that we are looking at a young English player at the moment but I have nothing concrete that I can tell you at present."

Sammy Ings - The Independent

"There is plenty of talk about players going the other way as well with the likes of Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana the subject of transfer bids from Chelsea and Manchester United respectively. Will the club sell?"

Mauricio Pochettino

"No! We do not sell our best players. As far we have not received an offer for either payer and I assume this is because other clubs know we do not sell our best players. Will Chelsea sell Hazard, will Manchester United sell Van Persie... No. We will not be selling."

Tom Thorne - The Observer

"Where do you think your team will end up come the last day of the season?"

Mauricio Pochettino

"I don't see why we couldn't be in a Europa League position. We are strong enough to challenge any team as witnessed last year by the wins over Chelsea and Manchester City. I know we have the talent, the hunger and the personnel behind us to deliver another great season."

Jamie Evans - The Sun

"Will you still be adopting the high pressure tactic which worked so well for you last season?"

Mauricio Pochettino

"I will not be revealing how we will play this year, I need to speak to the owner, the new Chairman, the players and my coaches. Together we will all decide on how Southampton play their football. However I am a firm believer in if it's ot broke, don't fix it but we shall see."

Press Conference Concluded 14:32

So with Mauricio Pochettino staying on for at least this season it seems that Southampton FC can finally concentrate on the upcoming season and where they need to strengthen. Another young English talent may also be on his way in as Maricio teased with a somewhat vague answer. It will also be interesting to see if Southampton change their style of play this season.


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[Tobey Mason]

Bernhard Heusler Appointed Southampton FC Chairman

It's been a nervous few weeks for the Southampton FC fans after Cortese's departure looked to destabalise the club. Luckily for the Southampton faithful the nerves would have subsided a little when Mauricio Pochettino agreed to stay on as manager after the sudden departure of Cortese. Club owner Katharina Liebherr has been working hard behind the scenes of late trying to find the right man for the club. It now seems that she has found her man as it's finally been revealed that FC Basel chairman Bernhard Heusler will take the vacant role at the club.

Heusler who has done wonders at FC Basel has seen the Swiss club become a top European team and they have impressed and performed brilliantly in the Champions League. They have beaten some top teams including Manchester United and although not having progressed past the group stages they look like they could be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

Heusler like Cortese is a keen admirer of pushing through talent from a clubs own nation. FC Basel have plenty of young Swiss players at their disposal and it's been assured that Southampton's philosophy of doing the same with English talent will not end. Heusler shares another quality with Cortese and that's that both men are equally articulate. Katharina Liebherr has stated that Heusler will come in and carry on from the work which Cortes has begun. Heusler has written a letter on the clubs website introducing himself and allaying some of the fans fears regarding the future of the club.

"Hello Southampton Fans. I have arrived and I am eager to start where Nicola left off. I have met with the players, the coaches and of course the owner and we are all of the opinion that we can finally start preparing for the upcoming season. I would just like to clarify that my appointment will not spell the end for any of the clubs stars. We are a growing club and we have a fantastic future in front of us. I am keen to help develop young English talent and the club will continue to use players from this nation. We have our eyes on a few players who we think can benefit this club and we are nearly at the stage where we can announce an arrival. I look forward to seeing you all on match days. Thank you for all being so supportive in my first few days."

Bernhard

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[Tobey Mason]

We have some Transfer news for you today concerning Southampton FC. After a pretty torrid time with Nicola Cortese departing it seems the fans now have something to cheer about. Mauricio Pochettino and newly appointed chairman Bernhard Heusler had both teased that a new signing would be imminent. They also suggested the signing would fall in line with the clubs philosophy in which Southampton like to use English talent.

Jamaal Lascelles
View attachment 426566Nottingham Forest - Southampton FCView attachment 485559
?3,200,000
19 Years Old
Centreback

Southampton have snapped up Jamaal Lascelles from Nottingham Forest for a fee of ?3,200,000, the fee could rise higher depending on whether Lascelles ever represents England. Jamaal had been sought after by many clubs most notably Everton and Swansea. It seems however that the chance to play for Southampton and the clubs English core appealed to Lascelles, who stated that he was delighted to have signed for the South Coast club. Lascelles it is thought will be used as back up to current centrebacks Jose Fonte and Jos Hoivield. The club have also stated that he will get some substantial game time this season and that he is definitely a player who will have a huge future at the club.
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[Tobey Mason]

Second transfer deal sealed for Southampton as they have swooped in for yet another highly sought after youngster. Sixteen Year old Ryan Gauld who had been attracting the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and even Real Madrid prior to his move down south will most likely be a player for the future but Southampton could surprise us by playing him straight away, he certainly has the talent.

Ryan Gauld
View attachment 426565Dundee United - Southampton FC

?1,800,000
16 Years Old
Attacking Midfielder

The young Scot joins for a fee of around ?1,800,000 and like Lescalle's transfer deal there are further add on's when he eventually represents his country at senior international level.

It's been reported that he could indeed be loaned back to Dundee for the season. It's been Mauricio Pochettino's decision and he feels regular first team football will aid Gauld's development. It's not a 100% done deal for the loan to go ahead as Gauld will have time to impress his new manager during pre-season.

Dubbed the 'mini Messi', Gauld will have a lot of pressure to deal with and the club are keen to protect their new young investment by having him tutored by Adam Lallana. If he does however go back on loan to Dundee it's been reported that he will have support from Southampton FC representatives. Who will help further develop his talents.

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[Tobey Mason]

Press Conference
Players Unveiled

Jamaal Lescelles and Ryan Gauld Unveiled by Southampton

It hasn't taken Southampton long to unveil their two latest transfer acquisitions. Sitting alongside their new manager Mauricio Pochettino both players looked comfortable and at ease when faced by members of the media. It would of been understandable for both players to have looked nervous but both sat smiling alongside Pochettino.

July 4th 2013
Saint Mary's - Main Conference Room
16:35pm
Pochettino Unveils Jamaal Lescelles and Ryan Gauld

Emma Groves - The Sun

"Mauricio it looks like the club are after young British talent once again. Have you focused your Scouts attention solely on the home nations or will you be looking further a field to strengthen and build the squad?"

Mauricio Pochettino

"It's funny you should mention this. As you all know Southampton like to push through English and British talent but we have advised our scouts to look elsewhere too. We have scouts currently in Germany, France, Portugal and Switzerland so the answer is no we probably won't be recruiting from just Britain"

Daley Huntington - Southern Daily Echo

"I have a question for Ryan. What made you choose to come to Southampton when there was speculation linking you to Manchester United, Liverpool and even Real Madrid?"

Ryan Gauld

"When Southampton contacted my agent they were the only club that had made a concrete bid for me. I flew down here and met with Katharina (Liebherr), Bernhard (Heusler), Mauricio (Pochettino) and Adam (Lallana) and they talked me through the clubs project. I was amazed just how detailed and articulate each of them were and everyone spoke passionately about the club. I found myself starting to buy into the philosophies and when that happened I knew I wanted to play here"

Edward Hanson - The Mirror

"What about the other interest from other clubs Ryan?"

Ryan Gauld

"I never heard anything, I was made aware it may have just been the media speculating."

Jenny Carter - The Telegraph

"Mauricio will you be selling any players this Transfer Window? There is speculation linking Jack Cork to Celtic?"

Mauricio Pochettino

"Jack has spoken to me about a potential transfer away from this club. I have told him that any offer will need to be in line with what the club value him at. He is a key player for us and we would rather not sell but If a player says he wants to leave there is little we can do about it. As I have previously said we are not a selling club and I will not be divulging any further information today"

Tony Williams - The Daily Star

"Jamaal are you relishing the challenge of ousting Jose Fonte or Jos Hoivield out of a Centreback position and claiming it for yourself?"

Jamaal Lescelles

"I am not thinking about ousting anyone. I am concentrating on my own game, working hard in training and learning alot from Jos and Jose. We all work as a team and If I am selected then yes I will be happy but I am also happy if they get selected. I know I will get my chance and I am willing to be patient for it."

Tom Thorne - The Observer

"Mauricio do you think these two lads will have a big impact this season?"

Mauricio Pochettino

"Yes, I expect all my players to have a big impact. I trust these two young boys to perform as well as anyone else in my squad. They both have the talent, the potential and the time to make really big names for themselves and a big name for the club."

Press Conference Concluded 16:56

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[Tobey Mason]

Southampton have signed Daniele Rugani on a free transfer and he now becomes the clubs third summer acquisition. Once again the Saints have chosen to go for another youthful player and he is the second young defender the club have signed the transfer window.

Daniele Rugani
View attachment 426564Empoli - Southampton FC

?950,000
18 Years Old
Centreback

Signed from the Italian team Empoli, Rugani has been touted as a future Italian star and has already impressed for the Italian minnows on several occaisions. Mauricio Pochettino has also spoken about how the young Italian has impressed him and he feels that he and Jamaal Lascelles could form an outstanding Premier League pairing at the heart of his defence in the future.
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[Tobey Mason]

Southampton FC have really picked up a gem of player here with the loan signing of Bayern Leverkusen's Levin Oztunali. Mauricio Pochettino was keen to try and lure the young German to Southampton on a permenant transfer but as he only recently joined Leverkusen from Hamburg both the player and his club were reluctant to agree to a permenant deal.



Levin Oztunali
View attachment 485563Leverkusen - Southampton FC

Loan
17 Years Old
Centre Midfielder

Levin has been touted as a future German international and has impressed for the German youth teams. He has a fantastic eye for a pass and can taclke well. It's assumed that Levan will slot in next to Morgan Schneiderlin in the middle of the park with both midfielders sitting just in front of a more defensively minded Wanyama. Southampton fans have praised the club for the signing of Oztunali and will be hoping that his time in England and on the South Coast will persuade him to commit to a permenant deal in the future.

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[Tobey Mason]

Mauricio Pochettino looks to have completed his summer business with the signings of two more young Italian players. It seems that the scouts sent to Italy to search for players have come up trumps as the Saints have now signed their second and third young Italians. Both are already in the youuth set up and both have the talent to become massive stars. It will be interesting to see how they deleop at Southampton and it's unknown whether they will be loaned out at the moment.

Davide Montelone
View attachment 426560Palermo - Southampton FC

?2,000,000
18 Years Old
Centreback

Monteleone is a player who Palermo tried in vain to keep. His ability and vision our fantastic and he is a switched on defender who deals with attackers very well. He has talent beyond his years and he has already been compared to the likes of Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro. When Southampton made the approach for him Monteleone jumped at the chance and he was soon signing a five year deal with the Saints.

Alberto Cerri
View attachment 426559Parma - Southampton FC

?825,000
18 Years Old
Striker

Young Alberto is another player who will light the world on fire in the future. Pochettino has definitely looked to the future with most of his signings this summer and Alberto is another player who will need blooding in to the English game. With trickery in abundance and lightning pace Alberto will defininty be a handful. It's most probable that we will see Alberto in Cup games or head out on loan this season.


One More Transfer left then it's time to kick on with things. Who do you think it will be?...

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[Tobey Mason]

Southampton wrap up their transfer business with the signing of Milan Badelj who has built himself up quite a reputation in Europe. The former HSV player is another centre midfielder but possess more creativity than any other Southampton midfielder. The dynamic schemer plays similary to Luka Modric who funnily enough is of the same nationality as Badelj.



Milan Badelj
View attachment 426558Hamburg - Southampton FC

?8,000,000
24 Years Old
Centre Midfielder

Katharina Liebherr it seems is staying dedicated to her late fathers cause as she has ploughed a substantial amount of money into the club this transfer window. She has used a big chunk of that money on Milan Badelj who has the biggest profile of all the players to join this season. He will be looking to slot in and make an instant impact for the club.

Transfer Summary

Incoming Players

Seven new players arrive at Southampton this summer, six of them less than twenty-four years old. It seems that this Transfer Window has been used to strengthen the clubs future rather than the here and now. Top signing Milan Badelj is realistically the only player who will fit straight into the team but any one of the youngsters could stake a claim if they perform well enough.

Outgoing Players

Jack Cork did indeed end up signing for Celtic and for a good price too. Pochettino, Heusler and Katharina Liebherr will have all been rubbing their hands with glee at the price of his transfer. Yoshida departed to Hull as he was seen as surplus requirements at Saint Mary's Steven Davis left for Nottingham Forest for the same reason. Harrison Reed and Lloyd Isgrove who have promising futures at the club have both been loaned to new Feeder club Dundee United.

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[LovanoFM]

Some decent transfer business there!

 

[coolmcool]

Will be interested to see how Gauld fairs in the Premier League but not happy you sold one of my favourite players Billy Sharp!

 

[Tobey Mason]

Will be interested to see how Gauld fairs in the Premier League but not happy you sold one of my favourite players Billy Sharp!

He just doesnt have it in him anymore. I'd rather let him get game time.

 

[Disclaimer89]

Just saw this thread, I shall be following! Great to see someone signing young players!!

Great price for Jack cork, I smirked when I saw how much celtic paid for him!

 

[Klippybo]

Nice read - lots of detail - I dont have the patience to go into so much detail lol

 

[Tobey Mason]

Southampton Squad Overview

Southampton FC's squad is starting to look like it means business now. The signings of Milan Badelj and Levin Oztunali will certainly boost the midfield and whilst all the other signings were for young talent It will be interesting to see how many of these young players can make an impact this season.

Katharina Liebherr has challenged the club to earn a Europa League spot whilst trying to reach a Cup quarter or semi final. With big ambitions at the club this has only further excited the fans who are now all eager for the Pre-Season matches to begin.

Goalkeepers

Artur Boruc - View attachment 426236

- 33 - Experienced Goalkeeper - ?1,500,000
Cody Cropper - View attachment 426235 - Young Goalkeeper - ?83,000

Artur Boruc will play the Lions share of games for Southampton this season, the experienced Pole will be better adapted to the Premier League. Young American Cropper may get an opportunity in Cup games and will most certainly be tutored by his elder statesman.

Defenders

Nathaniel Clyne - View attachment 426234 - 22 - Pacey Right Fullback - ?3,800,000
Callum Chambers - View attachment 426234 - 18 - Plucky Right Full Back - ?1,600,000
Jose Fonte - View attachment 426232 - 29 - Experienced Centre Back - ?1,500,000
Dejan Lovren - View attachment 426225 - 24 - Powerful Centre Back - ?7,000,000
Jamaal Lascelles - View attachment 426234 - 19 - Centre Back Starlet - ?1,900,000
Daniele Rugani - View attachment 426231 - 19 - Young Centre Back - ?700,000
David Monteleone - View attachment 426231 - 17 - Future Centre Back Star - ?1,800,000
Luke Shaw - View attachment 426234 - 18 - Left Fullback Sensation - ?4,500,000

Southampton possess four future England players with each one containing alot of ability. Roy Hodgeson will most likely be visiting Saint Mary's alot this year as there will always be a wealth of English talent on show. The experience in the middle of defence will come in the shape of two foreighners though as Dejan Lovren and Jose Fonte have more competetive experience than the likes of young Jamaal Lascelles, Daniele Gugani and Davide Monteleone. The full backs are both fast and strong and the club possess the most exciting young Englishman in the country at the moment in Luke Shaw.

Midfielders

Victor Wanyama - View attachment 426237 - 22 - Strong Defensive Midfielder - ?14,500,000
Milan Badelj - View attachment 426225 - 24 - Star Centre Midfielder - ?12,250,000
Levin Oztunali - 17 - View attachment 426224 - Gifted Central Midfielder - ?2,200,000
Morgan Schneiderlin - View attachment 426223 - 23 - Combative Midfielder - ?12,250,000
James Ward-Prowse - View attachment 426234 - 18 - Centre Midfielder Starlet - ?4,200,000
Gaston Ramirez - View attachment 426222 - 22 - Technical Attacking Midfielder - ?9,250,000
Adam Lallana - View attachment 426234 - 25 - Talented Winger - ?10,250,000
Jay Rodriguez - View attachment 426234 - 24 - Speedy Winger - ?5,000,000
Omar Rowe - View attachment 426234 - 18 - Young Winger Starlet - ?500,000
Ryan Gauld - View attachment 426220 - 17 - Future Star Midfielder - ?2,800,000

Club Captain Adam Lallana and Morgan Schneiderlin will be looking to Milan Badelj and seventeen year old Levin Oztunali to really add some flare to the Southampton midfield. Victor Wanyama is a powerhouse and will be used to mop up any loose balls coming his way and to protect the defence. James Ward-Prowse will most likely get alot of game time and his set pieces which have been likened to David Beckham will really aid his team. Youngsters Ryan Gauld and Omar Rowe will get some game time and will be hoping to utilise it well to earn even more.

Strikers

Rickie Lambert - View attachment 426234 - 31 - Powerful Striker - ?3,100,000
Dani Osvaldo - View attachment 426231 - 27 - Robust Striker - ?16,250,000
Sam Gallagher - View attachment 426234 - 17 - Future Striker Star - ?150,000
Albero Cerri - View attachment 426231 17 - Giftet Young Striker - ?950,000

Rickie Lambert has been in all the papers as he enjoyed a fairytale England debut and pretty much a fairytale career aswell. The Liverpudlian has been the Saints main striker for a number of years now and has always delivered when needed too. He has also never missed a penalty for the club either. Another player is the papers but for all the wrong reasons is Dani Osvaldo, club spats, temper tantrums and violent conduct have all checkered his match reports. Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping he can handle the fiery Italian. Local lad Sam Gallagher will be hoping to get some game time along with new signing Alberto Cerri.

Tactics

Southampton will once again be using their high pressure game technique which rattled many teams last year. Southampton press all over the pitch and some teams really don't know what to do as they can never have a moment on the ball. Victor Wanyama will be a key player in the heart of the pitch, his strength will be used to battle opponents off the ball, to protect the defence and to power through the middle of the picth. The two cental midfielders will look to run with the ball and either feed the hungry striker or to spray the ball out to one of the wingers who will drill in their crosses to their awaiting team mates.

Hopefully this will be a winning formula and Southampton can really come away with something this season using this tactic. Their first test will be in the Pre-Season tournament which is in honour of their late Chairman the Markus Liebherr Cup where they will face off against Dundee United and Tottenham Hotspur or Standard Liege.

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[bornexplorer88]

Looks like nice a start, liked the squad summary and opening post , I'd look at signing a few more british talent, when the regens come along. Southampton needs a core of english.

 

[Tobey Mason]

The Markus Liebherr Cup

Southampton FC have once again started off their Pre-Season with the magnificintly honourable Markus Liebherr Cup which the Saints use to pay tribute to their late owner who saved the club from administration. Usually this is a one day event with four teams only playing forty-five minute matches against one another but the Saints current owner Katharina Liebher and newly appointed club Chairman Bernhard Heulser have decided to extend it to a two day tournament with the third place play off and final on the second day. The fans who loved Liebherr will be emotional and will be looking for their team to win the Cup in honour of a man that means so much to the club.

This is the perfect opportunity for the fans to see the team in action. They will be wondering if the departure of Cortese has affected the squad in anyway and they will be trying to suss out their new chaiman Bernhard Heulser who knows he has big shoes to fill as Cortese was an icon amongst the Southampton FC fans. New signings such as Jamaal Lascelles, Daniele Rugani and Davide Monteleone will all be wanting to impress as will other new recruits Alberto Cerri, Levin Oztunali, Ryan Gauld and Milan Badelj. The teams playing in this years Markus Liebherr Cup are...

Markus Liebherr Cup Semi Finals...

View attachment 487777Southampton V Dundee UnitedView attachment 425625
View attachment 425626Standard Liege V Tottenham HotspurView attachment 425624

Southampton have invited their new feeder club Dundee United to the Tournament have ended up paired with them in the first Semi-Final. Tottenham have also been invited and will act as the favourites to win it. Standard Liege have also been invited and although they are a strong team it is unlikey they will trouble Tottenham in their Semi-Final.

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Tuesday 9th July - 15:00
Saint Marys
Markus Liebherr Cup: Semi Final
Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 10,491
View attachment 425620Southampton 3 V 1 Dundee United View attachment 425621
Ryan Dow (4), Rickie Lambert (54), Morgan Schneiderlin (77), Jamaal Lascelles (80)

Southampton Line Up: Boruc, Chambers, LascellesView attachment 425616 , Lovren, Shaw, Fonte, Schneiderlin, Ward-Prowse, Isgrove, Lallana, Osvaldo
Subs: Cropper, LambertView attachment 425616x2, Rodriguez, Hoiveld, Ramirez

Southampton never looked likely to lose this game even though they fell behind in the 4th minute. The players quickly rallied themselves and they looked threatening all game. It wasn;t until the second half though that Southampton really stepped it up and their first goal game from their talismanic striker Rickie Lambert who thundered in a header from an Adam Lallana cross.

Southampton's second came from Morgan Schneiderin who skipped past two Dundee defenders to slot in a low curling shot. The Frenchman doesn't score many for the club so hopefully this will be the first of many. The last goal game from Jamaal Lascelles who was starting his first ever Southampton FC match. The youngster headed in from close range after connecting well with a Gaston Ramirez corner. Southampton reach the final.

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Tuesday 9th July - 19:30
Saint Marys
Markus Liebherr Cup: Semi Final
Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 10,101
View attachment 425597Standard Liege 2 V 4Tottenham HotspurView attachment 487846
Soldado (4, 26), Veljkovic (OG 47), Erik Lamela (50) Thuram-Ulien (OG 54), Frederick Bulot (76)

Tottenham easily dispatched of the lacklustre Standard Liege who looked out paced, out muscled and not at all interested in playing really. Roberto Soldado played well on his debut as well as Erik Lamela who looks a very accomplished player. It's going to be a tasty looking final and an all premier League one. The fans will be relishing to see how both teams do.

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Wednesday 10th July - 15:00
Saint Marys
Markus Liebherr Cup: Third Place Playoff
Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 9,821
View attachment 425597Standard Liege 2 V 0 Dundee United View attachment 425621
Michy Batshuayi (43,53)

Standard stepped up a gear in this match and looked to be playing much faster attacking football. Dundee played valiantly but they just couldn't keep Michy batshuayi under control and he ultimately punished the Scottish team who will have left this competition with a headache.

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Wednesday 10th July - 19:30
Saint Marys
Markus Liebherr Cup: FINAL
Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 13,771
View attachment 425620Southampton 2 V 0 Tottenham HotspurView attachment 487846
Rickie Lambert (56), Adam Lallana (90)

Southampton Line Up: Boruc, Chambers, Lascelles, Fox, Shaw, Schneiderlin, LambertView attachment 425616, LallanaView attachment 425616, Ramirez, Osvaldo, Rodriguez
Subs: Cropper, Lovren, Ward-Prowse, Fonte, Hoivield

Southampton win the Markus Liebherr Cup and they win it with two of their best players scoring against a Tottenham side who looked like they could have scored a few goals themselves if it hadn't of been for an in-form Artur Boruc and a goal lince clearance from Callum Chambers. In all honesty though Southampton looked the better side.

Rickie Lamber scored from a direct freekick which was just outside of the penalty box. The ball swerved several times before hitting the back of the net. Tottenham looked to counter straight away and Adebayor saw a shot hit the bar and bounce out only for Roberto Soldado to see his close range effort cannon off the chect of Callum Chambers who got down to block the almost certain goal. Adam Lallana wraooed things up late on with a sublime chip which dinked over the oncoming Hugo lloris who was left back peddling but to no avail.

Southampton fans, the owner, the new Chairman and the manager will all be excited by how the team has played. The club will now be concentrating on the rest of Pre-Season and then looking at the start of the impending Season.


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[ryanjay]

Love the setup of this story, and like it overall! you've got a new follower