There were a number of issues for Southampton fans during former manager Mark Hughes time in charge and one of the hot topics of discussion given our incredibly leaky defence was just why was Jan Bednarek out of favour.
The 22-year-old Polish international came in for what many thought was a cut-price bargain at a reported £5.7million from Lech Poznan back in the summer of 2017 and although he obviously needed time to settle into the club and the Premier League, he impressed many with his work rate and determination when games came at the end of last season and many felt we had a gem on our hands.
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"I know how it feels not to play. I don't want to feel it again."#SaintsFC's Jan Bednarek on his desire to keep improving 💪 https://t.co/zwAJraTB2o
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 23, 2019
Having largely become a forgotten man Hughes, he found himself quickly restored to first team duties under new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and he hasn’t looked back, performing well and more than playing his part in helping us to rack up some wins as we begin turning our form around.
Speaking to saintsfc to discuss another difficult spell, he admitted he had thought about leaving the club to get some games, but thankfully his luck changed.
“You start to play in the Premier League, as I did last season, playing the last five games, and we stayed up. Then playing at the World Cup, your hopes are growing and it happens again. I didn’t play, I didn’t get any chances to get some minutes, and that was a tough moment for me. I was not playing any games for my club and I was fighting for my place again. At one point, I had more minutes for the national team than for my club this season, so it was really tough.”
Seeking the positives he felt he was stronger from the spell out and as is often the case in football.
“I think you need a little bit of luck, but I had to be ready for that moment.”
Proving to be one of our best buys Jeff
— Robbie (@EditSouthampton) January 23, 2019
He comes across as a great lad, very focused and professional
— Spencer Houghton (@SpencerHoughts) January 23, 2019
“THE THING THAT WAS MISSING WAS THAT WE WERE NOT CONVINCED ABOUT OUR QUALITY.” Not surprising the way Hughes was making them play. Incredible the difference these last eight league games. The belief is back and it’s totally reflected in the players’ attitudes and performances.
— Joanne Craig (@joeyc007) January 23, 2019
When you people in charge (Hughes) who doesn’t know how to pick a good side then what do you expect #saintsfc
— 尺ㄖ匚Ҝ乇ㄒ (@RedmondsRocket) January 23, 2019
