Southampton sack manager Ralph Hasenhuttl
Southampton have sacked manager Ralph Hasenhuttl after nearly four years in charge at the club
Hasenhuttl leaves the Saints after their 4-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday, which left them in the relegation zone after six losses in nine top-flight games. Assistant coach 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.
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 lead coach Rubén Sellés will take charge on an interim basis for Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday. The club have said they will be announcing a permanent replacement in due course.
During his spell at the club, Southampton suffered two 9-0 defeats in the space of 16 months as they lost to Leicester at home in October 2019 and were then thumped by the same scoreline at Manchester United in February 2021.
But Hasenhuttl managed to preserve Saints' Premier League status by guiding them to 16th in his first season in charge followed by an 11th-placed finish in 2019/20, with 15th-placed finishes in his following two campaigns.