New Southampton signing Albert Grønbæk has labelled his move to the club as ‘absolutely fantastic’, insisting he wants to make it permanent after saving them from relegation.
Grønbæk has been speaking to Tipsbladet about his move to the south coast and the Premier League’s current bottom side.
He’s joined on loan from Rennes until the end of the season, putting a difficult spell at the French side behind him.
He had struggled to settle in under manager Jorge Sampaoli, whose style of football was seen as totally opposite to what best suits the 23-year-old central midfielder.
The hope is that he can get back on track under Ivan Juric at St Mary’s, and Grønbæk is certainly enthusiastic about his new club.
“It feels absolutely fantastic, it’s a really, really good opportunity for me,” he said.
“To play in the world’s best league. And then the playing style fits me really well, so I’m super excited to see what’s going on going forward.
“I think I am in a good place, I feel fit and feel that the joy of football has returned. I’ve missed the joy of stepping onto a football field, but I’m sure I’ve found it now, I can already feel it. I am really looking forward to it and I am excited for the time to come.”
Unfortunately for Grønbæk, he joins Southampton in a period where things are not going well on the pitch.
They currently sit bottom of the Premier League table, with one win all season and 18 losses from 22 games. That’s seen them pick up just six points and currently sit 10 points from safety.
Most expect them to be relegated by the end of the season, with an almost miraculous turnaround needed if they are to avoid that happening.
Grønbæk is positive they can do something to upset the odds, though, and perhaps ensure himself a permanent move in the process.
“As I can feel here in the group, there is really good energy and people are really positive, even though it looks difficult and gloomy,” he added.
“Hopefully it will be long term. I think Southampton is an insanely exciting club and I could see myself in it from the first time they called me. It’s a really good match.
“And you should never say never. Two wins can change a lot, and if you get it going and get lucky, you can say that it has happened before, that a club has been in our situation but still saved itself.”
