Southampton have sacked Ralph Hasenhuttl as manager following a poor start to 2022-23 season.
Hasenhuttl’s departure ccomes after the Saints suffered a 4-1 home defeat against Newcastle United yesterday (6 November), which dropped them into the Premier League relegation zone after results elsewhere went against them.
Results though have been poor for Southampton this season with four wins, three draws and eight defeats in all competitions, of which just one victory came at home – as the Saints stunned Chelsea 2-1 in August.
Hasenhuttl though had previously taken the Saints to the semi-finals of the FA Cup during 2020-21 season, only to lose to eventual champions – Leicester City in the Final Four, whilst also making history as the first Premier League manager to lose two separate games in consecutive seasons by 9-0 result.
The brutal maulings came at home to Leicester in October 2019 then away to Manchester United in February 2021, with Hasenhuttl miraculously surviving the sack on both occasions.
In a short statement confirming Hasenhuttl’s departure, the club said: ‘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.’
Southampton also confirmed that first-team Assistant Coach, Richard Kitzbichler has also left his role alongside Hasenhuttl.
With the Saints back in action on Wednesday 8 November at home to League One’s Sheffield Wednesday in Third Round of 2022-23 Carabao Cup, Ruben Sellés has been appointed interim manager for that match.
A new permanent manager will be announced in due course with Luton Town’s Nathan Jones considered a surprise bookies favourite to replace Hasenhuttl, who had been in charge of Southampton since December 2018.
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