The 'Alpine Klopp' is facing the tricky task of dragging Southampton away from the Premier League's relegation zone, but given his reputation for improving players it is fair to say he looks a good fit.

McCarthy certainly sees it that way, having been impressed by the Austrian so far.

"I wouldn’t say he’s loud and aggressive but he’s got that authority," McCarthy explained. "Everyone respects him.

"He does know how to get the best out of the players. The longer the season goes on, everyone will notice a big difference within the squad.

"With this manager and the way he wants to play, that’s what you will see out there. He likes to play attractive football — high pressing and intensive."

Part of Hasenhuttl's method of teaching his philosophy has been to use video analysis of his RB Leipzig side, with the focus absolutely clear.

"He’s gone through the way they press, what they do when they have got the ball, without the ball, everything. Everything’s clear and we all understand what we are doing and reading off the same page," McCarthy continued.

"Everyone’s just pressing, pressing, pressing, once you lose the ball. And when we regain the ball, instead of turning round and playing it back, having that confidence to play forward and bring everyone up the pitch so we’re a lot more attacking.

"The thing with the boys pressing a lot higher and with more intensity, hopefully I’ll have a little bit less work to do!"

McCarthy has already met with Hasenhuttl to discuss what is expected of him, with McCarthy revealing: "He wants me to keep a higher line. Behind the back four, five, whatever he decides to play, so that I can sweep up everything and just dominate in areas.

"He was asking about the clubs I’ve been at before. He was asking about them and coming here. I said to him this is the first proper club where I’ve felt I’ve been at home."

Alex Mccarthy

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