Southampton: Is Mauricio Pellegrino fit for his job?

Following Burnley’s smash and grab win at St. Mary’s on Saturday; Saints fans have to be wondering, what changes has new manager Mauricio Pellegrino brought to the club?

It was intended at least, that Pellegrino would bring a more attacking style to a Southampton team desperate for goals. Yes, the epic home goal drought ended in style on match-day two, against West Ham. However, it is obvious that was a fluke, against a side playing with ten men and currently sitting in the relegation zone.

Since the three-goal “outburst” (which two were from the spot), we have scored two goals just once – home versus Newcastle. More specifically, the loss to Burnley, marked five out of eight games at St. Mary’s without a goal.

To make matters even worse, Southampton continues to fail to score against teams that should finish in the bottom half of the table, and the schedule becomes absolutely grueling heading into the New Year.

I am one to preach patience, usually. I did with Claude Puel, as I was in the minority that thought he did a decent job handling a jam-packed 2016/17 schedule.  Having Europa League, and a long League Cup run to deal with.

I believe criticism of him at the end of the year was completely unfair. We all know our season ended at Wembley, and keeping players motivated after that had to be extremely difficult.

In regards to Pellegrino, the Burnley game has me teetering on the edge. With one foot dangling off the cliff to dismissal. I analyzed the manager’s substitutions earlier in the season, and provided optimistic reviews. However, this past Saturday’s loss, was entirely the manager’s fault.  As he failed to react and change his side to reflect the opposition.

1.  Charlie Austin for Manolo Gabbiadini  – 65th Minute.  This was immediately following Sean Dyche’s introduction of two strikers.  Why would you take off your best goal scorer in a game that is there for the taking? When I saw Austin on the sideline, I was actually happy, because I thought Pellegrino would pair him with Gabbiadini to match Burnley’s shape.  I still cannot fathom why this like-for-like move was made.
2. Shane Long for Dusan Tadic – 76th Minute.  This was the right move, but it should have happened at half time. Many of us are clamoring for Tadic’s removal from the starting eleven entirely. However, Pellegrino seems to love him, and no one knows why. If he over-hits a pass to Cedric Soares one more time, I think the Portuguese right-back may rip his head off. Tadic is playing unacceptable football, and looks like he has it in cruise control to be 100% fit come World Cup 2018.
3. Jame Ward-Prowse for Sofiane Boufal – 90th Minute.  With three minutes to go of extra time, Pellegrino wastes time, by bringing on our best crosser of the ball far too late.  My TV now has a hole in it following this head-scratcher. Boufal coming off made no sense, and getting service into the box apparently made too much sense.

The failed substitutions against Burnley forced me to reflect upon Pellegrino’s first ten weeks with the club – which simply have not been good enough.

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• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

It is not just his managerial decisions, it is his personality too. Pellegrino is too laid back for this group. I get that Southampton likes these types of managers.  Pochettino, Koeman, and Puel are not exactly fiery in press conferences or on the sideline.

However, Pellegrino’s positivity is beginning to come off as arrogance. Watching him attempt to motivate the team from the coach’s box, is borderline awkward. His pre and post game conferences are also complete bores. Bringing into question his ability to push this team forward psychologically.

I am giving him three more games to right the ship, or Southampton must seek change. Realistically four points from Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester City would be the only grounds to keep Pellegrino.  Otherwise, as Maya Yoshida would say, sayonara.

The fact is Saints fans optimistically expected a change in 2017/18. However, we still sit in a defensive 4-2-3-1, routinely win possession, but cannot create or take chances.

Next: Pellegrino under pressure after Burnley defeat

Predominantly due to the manager’s reluctance to take chances himself. Which, in my opinion, stems from the loss to Wolves in the Carabao Cup, where he deployed three at the back. The lone time he did try something different, and it failed.

Pellegrino has been given a great opportunity, and a talented roster, but his time has to be running out.  I am not sure Southampton has a backup plan at this moment, but with new investors, you have to believe this is a consistent topic of conversation. I know it will be for Saints fans as long as lackluster results keep coming in.