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By Emmanuel Adeleke
Southampton Football Club, on Monday, sacked Ralph Hasenhuttl as manager, after almost four years at the club.
Hasenhuttl leaves the Saints after their 4-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday, which left them in the relegation zone. The Newcastle defeat was Southampton’s sixth loss in nine top-flight games.
Assistant manager, Richard Kitzbichler has also left the club.
The Austrian was the Premier League’s fourth-longest serving manager, having taken over at St Mary’s in December 2018. He is the fifth top-flight boss to be sacked this season after Scott Parker, Thomas Tuchel, Bruno Lage and Steven Gerrard.
A club statement read: “Hasenhuttl 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 coach, Rubén Sellés, will take charge on an interim basis for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against League One outfit, Sheffield Wednesday.
The club said they will announce a permanent replacement in due course.