Ralph Krueger on Sky Sports News this afternoon: - We entered the transfer window with a plan, with a clear strategic approach - We did not list any players for sale - It was quite clear to us that we had multiple players who wanted to take a short-cut to the UCL - They did not want to play for Southampton - It was then in our best interests to rebuild - We put premium prices on those players and achieved those premiums - We will now continue to build forward with a team that are prepared to go the hard way into Europe - There was some interest brewing before the World Cup - We stayed patient and didn't make quick or poor deals - We've put good deals together that give us a strong position for our rebuild - We are completely ready to have players stay where others did not meet our prices, even if it is against their will - We had to remain silent to bring in the best deals for the club - Jay and Morgan are not for sale and will be a part of our club as we enter the the new season - They will be here in September - September is our Judgement Day - We are in a rebuilding process and it is far from over - Ronald Koeman and his staff have been outstanding so far - We know he needs more players and more depth and we will provide that - It's about getting the right players for the right deal - They need to fit how Ronald wants to play and how we want to play - We are very close to a few deals - For Ronald, it's best to get them in tomorrow, we are working as quickly as possible - We are looking to have a squad where the team-members are truly pulling in the same direction - Koeman has no ego, yet he likes the academy like Pochettino did - With his background, he could come in with a swagger - But he doesn't, I've not seen or head of one single egotistical act from him - He is a person who is here for Southampton, no one else - He wants to build long-term with Southampton - Ronald is already a key piece at Saints - We know this will be a challenging season - We will work hard every single day to do the best that we can for him - Our fans will be pleased with the final product, I am sure - Look at the facts, since January we've built a new board, a new coaching staff and now a new playing staff - We can beat any team on a given day - We will have an attractive squad on the pitch and we will be competitive
If he sticks to his word then fantastic. However, if the club do sell Morgan and/or Jay, there will be an incredible amount of justified anger towards the board. On the whole though, it is difficult to not feel slightly better about things after listening to that.
Yeah to be fair he never said Lallana and Shaw were not for sale, he just said any deals on our own terms. This time he's made a solid statement of "no," which, despite me still taking it with a large pinch of salt, makes me slightly more hopeful.
Nothing on the rumours of Kat selling then, but very promising promises about the squad. Better not be bullshitting us, mate.
Never thought he'd make me happy. Jay and Morgan not for sale is a stated fact....he must have been given that information. Feel sorry for Morgan on one level...he was one I could understand moving on at this stage, but too late back from the WC and missed the ark as it left. Or perhaps he's a good lad
Thought he might deny that...oversight or it remains a possibility. I'm sure Sky would have asked....may have been warned off.
He didn't say that Wanyama, Cork, Fonte, Clyne, Boruc, Ramirez or JWP wouldn't be leaving... DID HE!?!??!?!?!??!?!?!?! *lights blue touch paper, stands back...*
