How Ralph Hasenhüttl's Four-Year Spell at Southampton Came to a Bitter End

Southampton have sacked Ralph Hasenhüttl and have since appointed Luton Town boss Nathan Jones as their next manager. Hasenhüttl leaves the Saints after his side lost 4-1 to Newcastle United, a result which left them boxed into the drop zone with one league fixture left before the World Cup -- they would proceed to beat Sheffield Wednesday on penalties after drawing 1-1, before losing 3-1 to Liverpool in the league to enter the World Cup break in 19th place. He exits with a record of 59 wins, 41 draws, and 73 defeats in the Premier League.

"Hasenhüttl 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,” read a club statement. "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."

When asked if he felt Southampton’s form was redeemable after their loss to Newcastle, the Austrian said “no,” before adding: "I think being in the relegation zone is a reflection of what we've done so far. It has not been good enough." Whilst Jones will be looking to avoid the fate of 2019, when he left Luton Town in January 2019 to take vacant Stoke City job, where he would last just 10 months before getting the sack, Hasenhüttl shuffles out of the top-flight with no complaints: he was powerless to resist the sack in his fourth season at St. Mary’s. But why and how did his demise come about?

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