Ralph Hasenhüttl explains Southampton's poor home form | OneFootball

Ralph Hasenhüttl says the pressure of having to perform in front of their own supporters keeps getting to Southampton this season.

Saints were beaten 2-1 by Burnley at St Mary’s on Saturday, a result which leaves them 13th in the Premier League and seven points above the relegation zone.

Hasenhüttl’s side have taken just 11 points at home all season – the fewest of any team in the top flight – and the Austrian has explained why they are struggling to get results in their own backyard.

“You know at the moment it is sometimes a little bit difficult to play at home, because against Burnley everybody expects we are three up after 10 minutes and it is a little bit hard for us to show this,” Hasenhüttl told reporters.

“I think this is something, the pressure, that guys are not used to … because in away games nobody expects anything from us, so it is easier to play them at the moment for us.

“Maybe that is the reason we perform better in the away game, but that cannot be an argument in the future.

“We must come to the level, no matter if we are away or home, to have a good performance.

“It helps massively if you go in the lead. We didn’t do it. After two minutes we are one down and against this opponent it is not easy.

“The reaction then was good and the team showed they can handle this pressure, but we must still be a better footballing team.”

Kyle Walker-Peters made his Southampton debut against Burnley and Hasenhüttl admitted the Tottenham loanee needs time to adjust to his new team.

“I think it is clear to see he still needs time to adapt to our game. This is normal,” said Hasenhüttl.

“It is not easy when you step into our game. We have different things we demand and it will take time I feel.”