BREAKING: Southampton sack manager Maucirio Pellegrino
Southampton have parted company with Mauricio Pellegrino following Saturdays 3-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United.
The Argentine was sacked this evening after dismal run of form, recording just one win in their last 17 Premier League games, leaving the club just a single place above the relegation zone.
Saints have already begun the search for his successor and it is believed that they hope to make an appointment before Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Wigan Athletic.
Pellegrino’s assistant Carlos Compagnucci and assistant first team Coach Xavier Tamarit will also leave the club with immediate effect.
A statement from the club read:
"“Southampton Football Club can today confirm that it has parted company with First Team Manager Mauricio Pellegrino.We would like to place on record our thanks to Mauricio, Carlos and Xavier for their efforts during their time with Southampton, and wish them well for the future.”"
Pellegrino’s sacking has been something that has seemingly been in the pipeline for a matter of months, with Southampton fans having expressed their displeasure with the Argentine for most of the season.
More from Saints Marching
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
- It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
- Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
- A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse
Over the festive period the board backed the 46-year-old but failed with much of their recruitment in January – despite linked to a host of players they only managed to sign Guido Carrillo who two months later is still yet to score his first goal in red and white.
The former-Alaves manager has been branded tactically naive and a coward for his competencies in recent months, with the Saints fighting a very real relegation battle for the first time since Nigel Adkins was in charge.
The performance at Newcastle was one of the Saints’ worst of the season, with Pellegrino’s side producing a frankly spineless performance in what was a very winnable game.
Southampton have a talented squad of players and will hope that a new manager can drive the side up the table in the last eight games – everything is up for grabs with Swansea, West Ham and Bournemouth all still to play before the season comes to a conclusion.