Southampton: Sport Republic 'already considering' Hasenhuttl replacements

Southampton will have a ‘succession plan’ in place if they decide to sack manager Ralph Hasenhuttl in the coming weeks amid a poor run of form, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Austrian was handed more than £60 million to strengthen his side by owners Sport Republic in the summer transfer window but more big changes could soon be on the cards on the south coast.

Last weekend saw the Saints face a daunting trip to goal-hungry Manchester City and Hasenhuttl watched on as his side were beaten in predictably comfortable fashion 4-0.

Prior to the clash, the former RB Leipzig manager was on the brink of losing his job at St Mary’s, according to The Telegraph.

The report added that the club were now on the lookout for a manager capable of nurturing and developing the young, burgeoning squad at their disposal.

Southampton have now lost four Premier League matches in a row and scored just one goal in the process.

Despite their poor form, Hasenhuttl insisted after the defeat to City that he remained unconcerned by the prospect of losing his job.

He claimed he does not 'use any energy thinking about it' and is only focused on helping the team.

Jones believes that Sport Republic will have a succession plan in place if and when they decide to part ways with Hasenhuttl.

The journalist added that Southampton do not have a habit of making rash decisions and will have put careful consideration into their next move.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “If Southampton are going to get rid of him they will have a succession plan in place, I’m convinced by that. This is a club that does not react instinctively and I think this tough period will have given them time to carefully consider their shortlist for what would come next and who would