Southampton FC separates from coach Ralph Hasenhüttl

The English first division club FC Southampton has separated from team manager Ralph Hasenhüttl. This was announced by the Saints the day after losing 4-1 at home to Newcastle United and falling to 18th place in the table. For the time being, assistant coach Ruben Selles will look after the club of German national player Armel Bella-Kotchap.

“Hasenhüttl has played a key role in the development of our club. However, we believe that now is the right time for a change,” said the club’s statement.

The 55-year-old Austrian, who had coached FC Ingolstadt and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, had been team manager in Southampton since December 2018, but under him the club only finished the 2019/20 season (eleventh) better than 15th place.

His assistant and compatriot, former HSV professional Richard Kitzbichler, also has to go with Hasenhüttl.