After four years, Ralph Hasenhüttl is over as coach of FC Southampton. The successor is open.
Southampton FC has separated from its coach Ralph Hasenhüttl after around four years. The club announced this. This is Southampton’s reaction to the sporting downturn this season.
After Southampton’s 4-1 home defeat by Newcastle United, which was greeted with whistles from their own fans, the team is ranked 18th in the Premier League table, a relegation zone.
According to the club, Hasenhüttl made “a significant contribution” and gave the club some memorable games. In addition, the Austrian had “played a key role in the development of the club’s infrastructure, identity and squad,” according to the club officials. “Nevertheless, we believe that now is the right time for a change.”
Three wins too few
After leaving RB Leipzig in May 2018, Hasenhüttl took over the Saints in December of the same year and managed to remain in the class with the club. In the current season, however, the team had only won three and drawn three out of 14 games. Eight games were lost. “We’re below the line and in a very difficult situation at the moment,” the 55-year-old admitted after Sunday’s defeat. Assistant coach Richard Kitzbichler is also leaving the club with him.
Southampton FC play Sheffield Wednesday at home in the League Cup on Wednesday. Then Rubén Sellés, coach of the second team, will look after the team on an interim basis. A permanent successor to Ralph Hasenhüttl should be announced in due course, it said.