Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl's relationship with his players seems to have 'changed quite a lot' amid uncertainty over his St Mary's future, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

Saints got their season off to the worst possible start as they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur despite going ahead.

GiveMeSport The Verdict

GiveMeSport The Verdict

What's the latest news involving Hasenhuttl?

According to the Daily Mail, Hasenhuttl has lost the trust of several players and there is surprise within the Southampton dressing room that he was not sacked over the summer.

The report suggests the 55-year-old, who has previously bossed the likes of RB Leipzig, is becoming increasingly detached from his squad and some players raised concerns over Hasenhuttl's management when speaking to the club's hierarchy at the end of last season.

He has told German publication Kicker, via The Sun, that he is planning to walk away from the dugout permanently when his Southampton contract expires in the summer of 2024.

It comes after a summer overhaul at St Mary's, with assistant coaches Dave Watson, Kelvin Davis and Craig Fleming being sacked at the end of the 2021/22 campaign and replaced by Ruben Selles, Alex Clapham and Carl Martin, which Hasenhuttl hailed as 'important'.

However, it is understood that some of the newly-formed backroom team are already harbouring misgivings over Hasenhuttl and his strategies.

What has Tom Barclay said about Hasenhuttl?

Barclay believes it is a huge concern if Hasenhuttl has a fractured relationship with his players.

The journalist feels the Austrian's connection to his Southampton stars may have altered.

Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "I suppose the worrying thing, from a fan point of view, looking at that story, if it's all correct, is the relationship that he seems to have - or lack of - with the players.

"That can't be good if that is the case - not speaking to them as much and making decisions without talking to them.

"I know he's always been a bit of a drill instructor to a certain extent, so that is kind of his way, but it does seem like, if the story is correct, the relationship has changed quite a lot."

Is Hasenhuttl likely to be sacked by Southampton?

Hasenhuttl has secured 56 wins in 159 matches at the helm, but only eight of those have come since the turn of the year and his Southampton side have also suffered two 9-0 thrashings.

He has been backed in the transfer market, with him being allowed to spend more than £50million on fresh faces since the summer window opened for business, which would seem to suggest that he has the full support of the board.

But Sport Republic, who acquired a controlling stake of Southampton in January, may be forced into making a change if results do not improve and Hasenhuttl has lost the dressing room.