Ralph Hasenhuttl not prepared to start parking the bus

City boss Pep Guardiola was impressed by Southampton's positive approach, even if it ultimately saw them leave empty handed.

Southampton briefly topped the Premier League during early November, but a wretched run of nine defeats out of the past 11 league games has seen them drop down the table.

Hasenhuttl, though, has no intention of ditching the style which won so many admirers earlier in the campaign just to grind out a few much-needed results.

"I have known Pep since my time in Germany and, when he wins, he is always very praising of the opponent," the Saints boss said.

"But I can also see that during the game he was really astonished about how we played there and how brave we have been there with our side.

"This is what he likes to be honest. He doesn't like to play against teams who park the bus in front of the goal.

"We changed the way to play against them a little bit.

"In the last three games I must say we had nearly 50 per cent possession against them in every game and there are not a lot of teams out there doing it like this.

"We had won one game (in July), one we lost with one goal and this time we conceded a few goals more, but I see the way we do it is more enjoyable for me and also for the players."

Hasenhuttl added: "We are still not winning against them, okay, but we can take it better in this way than being passive, defending around the box for 90 minutes and then going home with a defeat. Then you sit on the bus and think, 'This was a wasted evening'."

Despite Southampton's poor recent form, Hasenhuttl continues to have plenty of support in the boardroom and among the fans.

The former RB Leipzig boss feels a special relationship has been forged following his arrival in early December 2018.

"I know about the toughness of this job here, I know about the problems we have had sometimes," the Austrian said. "But I also know that if we over-perform we can also have some good wins.

"Sometimes it is more fun to be the pirate than to join the navy and this is why I like to be here."