Klopp praises Hasenhuettl and Southampton ahead of Premier League match

Juergen Klopp says Ralph Hasenhuettl should have won the last two manager of the month awards instead of himself.

SHOWS: LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND, UK (JANUARY 31, 2020) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) 1.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LIVERPOOL MANAGER, JUERGEN KLOPP, ON SOUTHAMPTON, SAYING: "This turnaround is exceptional, really exceptional.

I know I, I think I won the manager of the month award last two months or so, but from my point of view it was (Southampton manager) Ralph (Hasenhuettl) one hundred per cent.

Because what they did from a no or low confidence level to come to this confidence level by organising the team, not changing the way you want to play, no, push it through.

Because it was always clear how Ralph wants to play and now implement that in the team, it's incredible.

It's an incredible job to say I not often saw something like that, because you now see them playing, yes they lost against Wolves, but after winning for most of the game time and Wolves is obviously a really strong side.

So, the two teams in the moment apart from the, probably top four or five teams in the league, who you don't want to face is Wolverhampton and Southampton." 2.

WHITE FLASH 3.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LIVERPOOL MANAGER, JUERGEN KLOPP, ON SOUTHAMPTON, SAYING: "Yeah, it's interesting and very exciting I have to say.

I couldn't respect more what they do.

What they - especially with the basis, from the basis they're coming from.

Really tough place in that (this) strong league.

Doing it like this.

If they would have won against Wolves, I think they would be now already on European place.

That's just amazing." STORY: Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp praised Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuettl and his side ahead of their Premier League encounter on Saturday (February 1).

The runaway league leaders host a Saints side led by Hasenhuettl, who since seeing his team humiliated 9-0 at home to Leicester last October, has guided his chargers to seven crucial league wins and up to ninth in the table.

Something which hasn't gone unnoticed by Klopp, who suggested Hasenhuettl should have been named Premier League manager of the month instead of himself.