English Premier League side Southampton FC has announced the sacking of first-team manager Ralph Hasenhüttl after a below-par 2022-23 season. The Saints entered the relegation zone after suffering a 4-1 defeat against in-form Newcastle United. The Austrian departs after just under four years in charge, his final nine matches having brought only one win.
Hasenhüttl joined Southampton in December 2018 when took the reins from Mark Hughes with the club placed 18th in the Premier League and avoided relegation at the end of that season. In his first full season, the Saints finished 11th in a campaign disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Then in the 2020-21 campaign, Southampton had a brilliant start as they were on the top of the Premier League with goal-difference after the eight before a 15th-placed finish. The Saints had a similar fate the next season as well. Then this year, the Saints looked out of sorts and have failed to win a game since their victory against Bournemouth on 19 October.
Southampton released a statement addressing their decision to sack Hasenhüttl. The statement 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.”
Ralph Hasenhüttl will be the fifth Premier League manager to be sacked so far this season. Scott Parker, Bruno Lage, Thomas Tuchel and Steven Gerrard were dismissed by Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively. Whereas Graham Potter left Brighton FC and took the leadership role at Chelsea.
