Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals what is affecting Mohammed Salisu’s form at Southampton |

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed that Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu may have been distracted by talk over his future following his recent dip in form.

Salisu has been guilty of some individual errors that have contributed to some poor defensive displays and a decline in form leading to defeats to the Saints.

The 22-year-old since his return from an injury which ruled him out of the league game against Aston Villa early last month, he hasn’t been at the same level where he earned a lot of plaudits.

Southampton went on a five-game winless streak including a 6-0 home thrashing in the hands of Chelsea.

Salisu’s display against Manchester City in January where the Saints held the champions to a 1-1 draw was described as a “phenomenal performance” by Premier League connoisseurs.

However, his scintillating form led to speculations linking him with a move to Newcastle United in January which failed to materialise.

Also, Salisu’s international future remains a debate in recent with the highly-rated centre-back yet make an appearance for his country.

Hasenhuttl admits that Salisu may have been affected by off-field issues as he assessed his recent form, with Southampton conceding 15 goals in the last five games he has played in all competitions.

The Austrian added that he has spoken with the defender to try and help him rediscover his best form.

Hasenhuttl benched Salisu in last Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the premiership with the Austrian gaffer expecting the central defender to be back to his very best.

“The Man City game was where they all praised him for being fantastic and it was his last really good game he played. It is always difficult for you as a manager to say what is going on in the background with him and all the things, all the rumours but I think this is a typical example of how quickly you can lose the focus and drop with your performances,” Hasenhuttl told Hampshirelive.

“I think it’s on me – and you can be sure that I speak with him very often about that – to get his head clear because the last performances have been far away from what he has shown. He is a good package normally, we all know.

“At the moment we are having the issue also with Ramadan and for these players it is not so easy. Some handle it better some don’t feel so energetic, but for me it is important that he gets back to the Sali he was before these last two or three games.”

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