Southampton have announced that they have parted ways with boss Ralph Hasenhuttl following a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle at St James Park, a month shy of his four year anniversary at the club.
The Austrian boss arrived on the south coast in December 2018, and though he has suffered a couple of memorable 9-0 defeats, for the most part he was a stabilising influence on the side who were struggling in the wake of Mauricio Pochettino.
However, after thirteen games this campaign, Hasenhuttl leaves with his side in the relegation zone, having conceded 24 times already this season, the joint fourth highest in the top flight, while one win in the last five games has proven too much for the Saints hierarchy to put up with. In their most recent outing against Newcastle, they never looked like being in the game, and it is this sort of lack of competitiveness that a new manager will have to change.
#SaintsFC can confirm it has parted company with Men’s First Team Manager Ralph Hasenhüttl.
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 7, 2022
A statement from the club thanked Hasenhuttl, but suggested they felt it an ‘appropriate time’ to change managers in an attempt at Premier League survival.
“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”, they wrote.
“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.”
