Ralph Hasenhüttl has explained the FA Cup still carries significant importance for him this season, even with the situation the club is fighting in the Premier League.
Saints begin their campaign in this season's competition tomorrow, when they face a challenging trip to Championship promotion contenders Derby County in the third round.
ralph hasenhüttl
the last time the queen gave the trophy was to southampton. maybe she was thinking it couldn't be better!
southampton manager
Ensuring the club retains its Premier League status again this term might be paramount, but Hasenhüttl still has a desire to give fans a run to remember in the cup.
"It's a fantastic experience for me," he said. "It's a famous cup, a traditional cup. When I was a child in Austria, I would always see the FA Cup final at the old Wembley Stadium.
"It's important, because I think our supporters are very proud about if we can make it through a few rounds, maybe until the final.
"So we try to find a good balance between fighting for our life in the Premier League and also having a good eye on the FA Cup.
"That means that we will again rotate, and bring in fresh players and try to keep the tempo on a high level and therefore we need fresh players. It is a very interesting competition for us and we have to do everything to get to the next round."
It is now 43 years since Southampton lifted the trophy, in the famous 1-0 win over Manchester United in 1976, and Hasenhüttl would love to create more special memories for Saints in the competition.
"The old Wembley Stadium is always in my mind, always a fantastic pitch, it was amazing – celebrating with the Queen, who gave the trophy," he said.
"As I know, the last time she gave it was to Southampton, because maybe she was thinking it couldn’t get better, so then she stopped! It’s an awesome cup and I’m looking forward to it."
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