Matchday 38: Highlights of every Premier League game
May 30Southampton have sacked manager Ralph Hasenhuttl after Sunday’s 4-1 home defeat by Newcastle left them in the Premier League relegation zone.
The Saints are in 18th place after one win from their last nine matches - and only three all season.
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The Austrian, formerly of RB Leipzig, succeeded Mark Hughes at St Mary’s in 2018, when the club were languishing in the bottom three.
The team finished 16th, 11th and twice 15th under him and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 2021, where they were beaten by Leicester.
Their last victory came against Bournemouth in October and scoring goals has been a problem all season, having netted only 12 times in 14 league games.
The 55-year-old said he wasn’t concerned about his future after his side were booed off against Newcastle, but the club hierarchy has decided to act with one game to play against Liverpool before the Premier League breaks for the World Cup.
The manager guided Southampton to the top of the Premier League for the first time ever in in 2020 but also presided over two 9-0 defeats in as many seasons.
The club responded to a disappointed end to last season by overhauling Hasenhuttl’s coaching staff, with Kelvin Davis, Dave Watson and Craig Fleming all departing.
The summer transfer window was also one of the busiest in recent memory, with 10 new arrivals.
The majority of incomings were young players with room for development, but fleeting signs of promise were ultimately not enough to convince the club to keep faith with Hasenhuttl.
In a statement, the club said: “Hasenhuttl, 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 Ruben Selles 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.”
