Southampton: Sport Republic now have 'surprise problem' at St Mary's

Southampton’s ‘biggest problem’ regarding the future of manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is that those in charge did not expect to face this decision so early in the season, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The club’s owners, Sport Republic, handed the Austrian more than £60 million to spend on his first team during the summer but could soon decide to make a change at St Mary’s.

After losing 4-0 to Manchester City last weekend, Southampton have now been defeated in each of their last four Premier League matches, scoring just one goal in the process.

Ahead of the Etihad loss, Hasenhuttl was on the brink of losing his job on the south coast, according to The Telegraph.

The report added that a manager capable of developing the squad of impressive youngsters that has been assembled was being targeted.

According to MailOnline, two figures that are being considered are former RB Leipzig boss Domenico Tedesco and Pep Guardiola’s City assistant Enzo Maresca.

However, Hasenhuttl is remaining calm, insisting after the latest defeat that he is not worried about potentially being sacked from his current role.

Jones understands that Sport Republic did not expect to have to make a decision on Hasenhuttl’s future at this stage of the campaign.

He adds that the board will have to consider a change soon if results do not improve in the coming weeks.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “The biggest problem is probably that it's come as a bit of a surprise that they're having to make this decision right now. What we do know is this is a massive week for the club, and if things don't go well, then they really are going to have to consider that change.”

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