This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Southampton striker Michael Obafemi has been speaking to Sky Sports about Ralph Hasenhuttl’s public comments regarding his lack of professionalism.

The 19-year-old forward – who has scored one goal this season – was told that he “still has a lack of professionalism in his whole life” by the former RB Leipzig boss, and that he is also a “young guy who must learn quickly”.

Hasenhuttl’s comments came towards the end of November, but now, in mid-December, Obafemi has responded.

What did he say?

When asked about Hasenhuttl’s comments and his relationship with the Austrian in general, Obafemi said: “Yeah, I think (he meant) like my diet, and stuff.

“Me and the manager have a good relationship. He talks to me often, we sit down and have conversations about what I should be doing and how I should be doing things in my life.

“It’s a big booster. (He) sets me challenges, so I’m thankful for it.”

Has taken the criticism superbly

While Hasenhuttl’s criticism may have been constructive and well-meaning, it was said to the media out in the open for everyone to have their own perceptions on what a ‘lack of professionalism’ might mean, which isn’t always the best way to conduct things and some players may potentially take it the wrong way.

We outlined how the Southampton boss should probably stop doing that to avoid denting the confidence of his players amid a relegation battle, as he has also openly criticised Nathan Redmond, Angus Gunn, Alex McCarthy and Yan Valery in the past too.

However, Obafemi’s mature comments ooze a willingness to learn and improve, and it does seem as if the Irish forward certainly hasn’t been hurt by Hasenhuttl’s open criticism – instead, in stark contrast, the teenager has absorbed the words and taken them on board.

We have already seen that Hasenhuttl can be ruthless with players who don’t get on his good side, such as when Charlie Austin and Mario Lemina were frozen out last season, so it is good to see Obafemi go the other way to those two and back his manager’s criticism publicly.

In other news, this Southampton transfer target continued to shine for his club last weekend, but he may not be what Hasenhuttl needs right now…