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Southampton: Burnley defeat puts pressure on Pellegrino

By Christian Bird

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton and Sean Dyche, Manager of Burnley shake hands prior to the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton and Sean Dyche, Manager of Burnley shake hands prior to the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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During Southampton’s defeat to Burnley, Chris Sutton reacted to Pellegrino’s comments midweek that ‘Saints have not found their identity’, stating a claim Pellegrino’s ‘better brand’ of football was not visible.

Burnley are punching above their own weight this season, which has been rewarded with a top six spot in the league, but for Southampton, it is another questionable performance, sliding further down the table in a fixture that appeared much in their favour.

It’s evident how Pellegrino goes about business on the pitch from performances, but appears nowhere near as potent as many would like.

Pellegrino has been in charge for 11 games, with a win ratio of 25%, which quite frankly if not relegation form is on the verge, and reason for sacking. Top managers such as Frank de Boer and Ronald Koeman have already been shown the door this season despite plans to play their own brand of football.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: Charlie Austin of Southampton looks dejected following the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary’s Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: Charlie Austin of Southampton looks dejected following the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary’s Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

It’s not just about the result however, it’s the performance. While a win is good, the morale around the club can keep them in contention for a longer amount of time. Southampton lacks that performance right now in my view and whatever they do cannot conjure up anything different.

So far, Pellegrino has just shrugged off journalist’s questions while the team continues to perform poorly. Losing at home to Burnley and not even scoring a goal is unheard of, however in-form they are at the minute.

I’m not going to lead the front in pushing Pellegrino out, because I have previously backed the manager to inject good performances in his players given enough time. Having said that, time is against him, thus there may be no way of saving his job.

Next: Southampton 0-1 Burnley: Match recap

Southampton is a historic Premier League club that deserves to not only remain in this division but to perform to its peak every season. Whatever’s missing, character, leadership, determination; that has to be addressed by the manager.

If he is not able to do that, then my verdict is to let him go. Saints need to get back to winning ways regardless of how it is done. Coming over to management in the Premier League and playing a particular style is difficult, take Pep Guardiola as an example. It is not necessarily going to work with the same ideology that’s effective in La Liga.