Without Mark Hughes, mediocrity left Southampton. There was never room for it.

A historic club in England saw their great present fade away and they surrounded themselves with escapists in the dark red zone of the Premier League. How was it possible to go to the Europa League and then fight for relegation? Call Hughes.

The Catholic religion seems to have had an influence; one day after a surprise draw against Manchester United, the club announced Ralph Hasenhüttl.

A change, a feat. A suitable technician would arrive to begin a process.

Since then, the Saints have reflected another face in the Premier League. Some of the features of that tidy, beautiful, exporter team in England are there.

Or where do you think these great Liverpool talents have come from?

With an open winter market, Southampton could be preparing something big for next season, this being the main objective.

Decline? This season will not exist. It would have to revive Mark Hughes.

St. Mary’s is preparing to start a project. The same one they had developed years ago, but they were victims of Top Six stalking.

By the way, the same Top Six they have made difficult: draws against Manchester United and Chelsea, victory against Arsenal and penalties against City of Guardiola.

Not bad, if you ask me.

The key to exporting clubs by nature is ideology. The philosophy of the teams is vital in these cases; the players will be able to leave, but not the ideals. In that way, you create a cycle. More or less successful, but regular. And from there, building is a possibility.

Southampton has moved again. A Stamford Bridge crossing has brought back the smiles. Hasenhüttl’s angry celebrations have given back the illusion.

St. Mary’s Church has witnessed (and perhaps starred in) another miracle: that the Saints were once again competitive in a season that aimed at the Championship.