By Victor Kanayo
An English Premier League club Southampton has sacked its manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, after they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday November 6, 2022.
The club also known as Saints, are currently in the relegation zone.
They are specifically placed in the 18th position after winning only one game in their last nine games, and three times all season.
In a terse statement, the club via it’s website wrote on Monday morning, “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.”
Southampton also announced that first team assistant Richard Kitzbichler had also departed.
Meanwhile, Luton boss Nathan Jones has emerged as the early front-runner for the job, according to bookmakers.
Hasenhuttl – High and Low Times
Former RB Leipzig manager Hasenhuttl succeeded Mark Hughes as Saints boss with the club 18th in the Premier League and guided them to safety at the end of that season.
His first full season in charge saw them finish 11th in a campaign disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, before a 15th-placed finish in 2020-21.
During that season, Southampton were top of the Premier League for the first time ever when they led on goal difference after eight games.
In January 2021, Hasenhuttl cut an emotional figure as he enjoyed a victory against defending champions Liverpool.
However, in February that year, Southampton were beaten 9-0 by Manchester United. It was the second defeat by that margin during his time at the club, having lost to Leicester by the same scoreline in October 2019.
After a stuttering start last season a winter revival saw them rise to as high as ninth in February, but they lost nine and won just one of their final 12 matches to slump to 15th.
