Southampton’s inconsistent start to the season has left the club languishing out of the top 10 in the relegation zone. They are currently in the 18th position in the table. 5 wins in 30 matches are far from the desired start the Saints were hoping for. They have collected 28 points from their 30 games and will be hoping to change their luck soon.
After a tumultuous last summer, that oversaw the arrival of Manuel Pellegrino replacing Claude Puel at the helm of the club and a legal complaint filed against Liverpool over the Virgil Van Dijk saga, the new manager did not get the desired calm and peace required to settle in and implement his philosophy at St. Mary’s.
Southampton oversaw the departure of a few club regulars like Jay Rodriguez, Lloyd Isgrove and Jordy Clasie. Of the new signings, the limelight went to the man arriving from Juventus, Mario Lemina.
The Saints’ star defender Van Dijk was set to leave the club, having handed in a transfer request. Liverpool and Chelsea were two of the many clubs interested in securing the Dutch defender’s service.
Liverpool’s move was a little too aggressive for Southampton’s liking and they went on to take legal action against the Merseyside club, thereby formally putting an end to Liverpool’s attempt to sign the defender.
Despite failing to get a move, Van Dijk has maintained his professionalism and has returned to the club for training, albeit it was late and has been shown enough trust by new boss Pellegrino to feature again in the Saints’ line up until January when he finally got his move leaving Southampton crippled.
The Saints have scored only 29 goals in 30 league games this season and clearly, their options up front have not clicked, leaving them pondering for a new striker who can bang in goals.
Amongst their current crop of strikers, they have Manolo Gabbiadini, Charlie Austin and Shane Long. Long and Austin have proved their mettle in the league earlier and Gabbiadini was the expensive £15 million forward signed from Italy.
He has not been in good form this season and has scored very sparingly this season. There has been many a rumour linking him with a move back to Serie A. Amidst such controversy, there was news earlier for the Saints fans that Gabbiadini is not planning to leave Southampton any time soon.
“We’re fine there [in England]”, Silvio Pagliari had told TMW Radio when asked about a return to Italy for Gabbiadini. For now, we’re certainly not talking about it. But, in the market, never say never”, he had added.
Latest reports have once again linked him with a move away. Although he has not clicked yet, the player does possess the skill to make it big and he has time on his side. Southampton spent some money on him and hence should at least give him another season before deciding to let him leave.
