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BREAKING: Southampton announce Hasenhuttl as new manager

By Marc Walker

NAPLES, ITALY - FEBRUARY 15: Coach of RB Leipzig Ralph Hasenhuttl celebrates the victory after UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Napoli and RB Leipzig at the Stadio San Paolo on February 15, 2018 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY - FEBRUARY 15: Coach of RB Leipzig Ralph Hasenhuttl celebrates the victory after UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Napoli and RB Leipzig at the Stadio San Paolo on February 15, 2018 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) /
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Southampton have announced Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhuttl as their new manager on a two-and-a-half year contract.

The 51-year-old has been appointed at St Mary’s just two days after Saints dismissed Mark Hughes following a poor start to the 2018/19 season.

Managing to get Hasenhuttl as their new boss can certainly be seen as something of a coup for Saints though.

His previous managerial role was at RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga and he guided their talented squad to a 2nd placed finish in their first season in the German top-flight.

He will now be preparing to watch his new side in action against Spurs tonight before taking full charge of preparations for Saturday’s clash with Cardiff City.

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MONACO – NOVEMBER 21: Ralph Hasenhuettl, Manager of RB Leipzig looks on during the UEFA Champions League group G match between AS Monaco and RB Leipzig at Stade Louis II on November 21, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
MONACO – NOVEMBER 21: Ralph Hasenhuettl, Manager of RB Leipzig looks on during the UEFA Champions League group G match between AS Monaco and RB Leipzig at Stade Louis II on November 21, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

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Hasenhuttl started his managerial career at Austrian sides SpVgg Unterhaching and VfR Aalen before making the move to Germany with FC Ingolstadt in 2013.

In his second season with there, he guided them to the Bundesliga for the first time and consolidated their place in the league with an 11th placed finish.

He then moved to Leipzig and took a squad containing the likes of Naby Keita, Emile Forsberg and Timo Werner to Champions League football.

The Austrian is renowned for a certain brand of football that – if implemented successfully – is likely to be just what Saints need to get themselves out of trouble.

His sides press on the front foot in true German style and often play in a 4-2-2-2 system that allows a narrow defensive structure and rapid counter attacks.

Current first-team assistant coach and Saints legend Kelvin Davis is expected to keep his role at the club and will be in charge against Spurs at Wembley this evening.

First-team coach and assistant manager Eddie Niedwiecki and Mark Bowen also left with Mark Hughes yesterday and a new backroom setup is likely to be brought in by Hasenhuttl.

Saints are yet to appoint a new Technical Director after the departure of Les Reed and it had been rumoured that Paul Mitchell would return to the club.

However, nothing has been announced so far as the club continue their search.

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