Southampton coach tells Nathan Tella what he must do to break into the starting lineup

Speaking at Monday's press conference before the visit to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City in the Premier League, Southampton coach Ralph Hasenhuttl has challenged Nathan Tella to replicate his performance in the win against Sheffield United to earn a chance to break into the starting lineup.

The former Arsenal schoolboy was simply unplayable against the Blades, winning a penalty for his side in the first half and drawing several fouls, and was rightly named the club's Player of the Match.

This season, Tella has been included in Southampton's Premier League gameday squads on seventeen occasions but has started just twice, against Leeds United and Sheffield United.

Asked what Tella has to do to convince him he's worth a run in the team, Hasenhuttl told reporters : "Play like he has played at the weekend, this is what he has to do, exactly what we demanded from him.

"The stats were massive. I think in 70 minutes he was running more high speed than others in 90 minutes.

"This is what I expected from him and it's what he gives us and what he gives our game.

"We must have a look how fit he is for Wednesday because he invested a lot and as a young player we have to pay attention to this".

Tella made his starting debut for Southampton in a 2-0 home loss to Brentford in a League Cup game back in September 2020.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel