Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is in ‘big trouble’ amid increasing speculation over his future at the club, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 55-year-old tactician has endured a difficult start to the season following on from a disappointing end to 2021/22, sparking speculation that he could be the next Premier League boss to face the sack.
What is the latest news involving Hasenhuttl?
Southampton succumbed to a third consecutive defeat over the weekend after Everton came away 2-1 winners despite falling behind to a Joe Aribo strike at St. Mary’s.
And in the aftermath, The Athletic revealed several damning factors about the Austrian’s position, indicating that his status in the Saints’ dugout is hanging in the balance.
It’s claimed that ‘many within the club’ believe that Hasenhuttl is on borrowed time and that players voiced their concerns to the board over him at the start of the season.
Another factor is that the former RB Leipzig chief’s lack of communication with the squad, while his emotional touchline demeanour is said to have irritated some of the players.
Consequently, Southampton have looked at other managers in recent months and have continued to maintain those relationships due to Hasenhuttl’s continued struggles.
What has Jones said about Hasenhuttl?
Southampton are currently lingering down in 16th position in the Premier League standings, just two places and one point above the relegation zone.
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And Jones believes that it is ‘impossible’ for Hasenhuttl to turn things around immediately as they are set to take on reigning champions Manchester City in their next encounter.
He told GiveMeSport: “I think he's in big trouble, and I think that the problem is for him in turning it around is that in the immediate future, that seems impossible because their next game is Man City.”
Can Hasenhuttl turn things around?
Hasenhuttl’s near four-year reign on the south coast means he is the fourth longest serving current Premier League manager, but that may be about to change if results do not improve.
After their trip to the Etihad Stadium, Southampton are set to take on West Ham, Bournemouth, Arsenal and Crystal Palace in a hectic October fixture schedule.
It could be a defining month for Hasenhuttl, and his side will surely need to put in some encouraging performances if he wants to keep his job.
There is no doubt that Hasenhuttl deserves praise for his work at Southampton on a limited budget in recent campaigns, and he’ll surely be hoping for extra time to transform their fortunes.