SOUTHAMPTON have sacked under-fire boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
The Saints swung the axe after Hasenhuttl’s side were booed off following the 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle on Sunday.
Hasenhuttl leaves with Southampton slumped in the relegation zone.
Part of a club statement said: “Hasenhuttl, who was appointed in December 2018, 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.”
First team coach Ruben Selles, appointed in the summer, has been confirmed as interim gaffer.
A permanent replacement is set to be named “in due course”.
But Selles will lead the team for Wednesday’s EFL Cup game against Sheffield Wednesday.
Hasenhuttl’s No2 Richard Kitzbichler has also left the club.
The lacklustre Saints have won just one out of their last nine matches, and have lost a total eight out of 14 this season.
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Hasenhuttl has survived TWO 9-0 defeats in his tenure as boss, but a disastrous start to the campaign was the final straw for the Saints’ hierarchy.
Reports claimed Southampton had wanted to wait until the World Cup break to decide whether or not to sack him, but mounting pressure led to them bringing forward their decision.
The Saints were woeful in Sunday’s thrashing at the hands of Newcastle.
Toon’s travelling support tormented Hasenhuttl with chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning”… which proved to be right.
Hasenhuttl leaves St. Mary’s shortly before his four-year anniversary in charge of the club.
The ex-RB Leipzig manager won 60 of his 173 games in charge and led the Saints to two 15th-place finishes in the last two seasons.
Southampton travel to Liverpool on Saturday for their final Premier League fixture before the World Cup break.
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