Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has conceded he made a mistake by praising Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu too soon.
After an impressive start last season, the 23-year-old endured a dip in form towards the back end of the campaign, along with the rest of the team, as the Saints won just one of their final 12 Premier League matches.
Salisu’s display in the 1-1 draw against champions Manchester City was described as a “phenomenal performance” by Premier League watchers.
At a point, Hasenhuttl even compared Salisu to former Southampton star Virgil van Dijk while speculations linking him with a move to Newcastle United in January did not materialise.
The now full Ghana international (since September) – who became known for individual errors towards the end of that campaign – is yet to hit the same level where he earned a lot of plaudits in a struggling Saints side.
Speaking about Salisu’s progress so far, Hasenhuttl has admitted that his praise of Salisu following the scintillating early season form may have played a part in distracting the defender.
“It seems the noise didn’t help him last season,” he told HampshireLive.
“I’m never a friend of praising players too much in the media because it is for only one reason that they get a little bit distracted or think we are not big enough for us anymore.
“I don’t want to say this happened with Sali, definitely not.
“But for me it is always much better when we are below the radar, to develop their game and work on their weaknesses as a young player.
“It is hard because in the Premier League you are always in the window and this is normal. Especially in English football culture, it is about creating the stars and speaking about individuals.
“This is what makes the Premier League special in some moments as everyone wants to be here but sometimes as a manager it doesn’t make life easier. With some young players, we have to bring them back on the ground a bit in some moments.”
Despite not keeping a clean sheet in the ongoing 2022/23 season, Mohammed Salisu and new centre-back partner Armel Bella-Kotchap have both received acclaim for their individual performances this campaign.
Salisu – who has played and completed 9 of Southampton’s games in the Premier League so far – will have to lead a partnership with Duje Caleta-Car when they play Bournemouth away on Wednesday following Bella-Kotchap’s injury.
