Southampton sack Hassenhuttl after horrendous loss to Newcastle

Ralph Hassenhuttl has been sacked by Southampton after almost four years in charge. A new manager is expected to be announced in the coming days. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Southampton has announced the departure of head coach Raphael Hassenhuttl following a run of poor results which climaxed on Sunday at St. Mary’s with a 4-1 loss to Newcastle United.

The sack had been coming but word on the street is that the board wanted to wait till the World Cup break to make a decision. The Sunday result ruined all patience and they have now made the call to relive the Austrian of his duties at St. Mary’s.

Hassenhuttl was in charge of 151 games for Southampton and his 31% win rate has seen them struggle to stay in the league season in season out. 68 losses, 47 wins and 36 draws are the other stats that jump out from Hassenhuttl’s reigns.

Hassenhuttl also holds the unenviable record of being beaten 9-0 twice, first to Leicester City and then to Manchester United. He leaves the Saints in 18^th and two points of the bottom spot that is currently occupied by Nottingham Forest.

Up next for the Saints is a trip to Anfield. The game is now as crucial as it comes with the Kops fresh from a strong win away at Spurs. A new permanent manager is expected to be announced in the coming days with Steven Gerrard top on the list of potential replacement.