Premier League club Southampton have taken the decision to sack manager Ralph Hasenhuttl after nearly four year at the helm.
Following a disappointing loss at home to Newcastle, the club hierarchy have decided it was the end of the road for the Austrian manager. Southampton have lost six of their last nine Premier League matches and sit in the relegation zone with just 12 points from 14 games.
Hasenhuttl was the Premier League’s fourth-longest serving manager, having taken over at the club in December 2018. He becomes the fifth premier league manager to be sacked this season after Scott Parker (Bournemouth), Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea), Bruno Lage (Wolves) and Steven Gerrard (Aston Villa).
A statement from Southampton reads,
“Southampton Football Club can confirm it has parted company with Men’s First Team Manager Ralph Hasenhüttl. First Team Assistant Coach Richard Kitzbichler has also today left the club,”
“Hasenhüttl, who was appointed in December 2018, departs having made a significant contribution to the club, overseeing some memorable results and also playing a key role in the development of our club infrastructure, identity and playing squad.
“However, we now believe it is an appropriate time to make a change. Everyone involved with the club would like to express their sincere thanks to Ralph for all of his efforts, as well as the unwavering commitment he has shown throughout his time as manager. First Team Lead Coach Rubén Sellés will take charge of the side on an interim basis for our game on Wednesday night. The club will be announcing a permanent replacement in due course.”
Since joining the club, Hasenhuttl has managed to keep Southampton in the Premier League with a 16th-placed finish in his first season in charge followed by an 11th-placed finish in 2019/20, and 15th-placed finishes in his following two campaigns.
