Hughes faces a 'massive challenge' at Southampton

Hughes was appointed manager on Wednesday following the sacking of Mauricio Pellegrino, and he will be charged with ensuring Southampton retain their Premier League status. The 'Saints' find themselves one point above the drop with eight games remaining in the season. 

"It's a massive challenge," Schwarzer told 'The Debate'. "It's going to put him out of his comfort zone because what I notice as a player being managed by Mark Hughes, particularly that one-on-one conversation with him, he wasn't that comfortable with.

"Even in a group, speaking in front of the players, he wasn't someone I thought really conducted himself well and enjoys being in front of a group of players. Actually, if anything, he felt a little bit uncomfortable in front of the group.

"It is a strange one because it's really going to put himself out of his comfort zone. He has to stand there and inspire this group of players.

"Sometimes you'd look over to the sideline and saw him react and you'd think I wish he did that in the changing room. You'd wish he'd coming into the changing room after a performance and be like he was on the touchline.

"That's the Mark Hughes I envisaged having watched him and played against him as a player. As a manager he was completely different."

Hughes' first game in charge will be an FA Cup tie against Wigan, the winner of which will qualify for the semi-finals.