Ralph Hasenhuttl has been dismissed as Southampton manager, bringing to an end nearly four years at the club after joining in December 2018.
It has been a very difficult start to the season for the Saints, with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday leaving them 18th in the Premier League table.
The loss was the eighth in their first 14 games of the campaign, which have seen them concede 24 goals and score just 12.
Hasenhuttl sounded like a doomed man after the Newcastle loss, asked if he could see a way out of the current slump, he said: ‘No…. Not at the moment.’
Asked if Sunday was likely to be his last game as Saints manager, the Austrian said: ‘I have taken a lot of decisions since I’m here but I don’t have to take this one.’
A club statement read: ‘Southampton Football Club can confirm it has parted company with Men’s First Team Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.
‘First Team Assistant Coach Richard Kitzbichler has also today left the club.
‘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.’
Southampton take on Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday evening in the third round of the League Cup before travelling to Liverpool on Saturday in the Premier League.
Luton manager Nathan Jones is an early favourite with the bookmakers to replace Hasenhuttl.
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