Southampton sacks coach Ralph Hasenhüttl after team got into relegation zone

After nearly four years of being in charge of Southampton FC, Ralph Hasenhüttl has been sacked as the club’s coach.

Ralph Hasenhüttl was sacked as Southampton’s manager following a 4-1 home defeat by Newcastle on Sunday, November 6, which pushed the team to the Premier League relegation zone.

A statement from the club read;

“Southampton Football Club can confirm it has parted company with Men’s First Team Manager Ralph Hasenhüttl. First Team Assistant Coach Richard Kitzbichler has also today left the club.

“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. First Team Lead Coach Rubén Sellés 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.”

Southampton has won just three of their opening 14 matches of the new Premier League season. They’ve drawn three and lost eight.

The Austrian will be leaving the club in the same league position (18th) as they were when he took over from Mark Hughes. The team finished 16th, 11th, and twice 15th under him and reached the 2021 FA Cup semi-finals.

The first-team lead coach, Rubén Sellés, who was appointed in the summer, will take charge of Southampton’s Carabao Cup match at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday, November 9.

Southampton will finish their pre-World Cup fixtures at Liverpool on Saturday, November 12.