Southampton interim manager Ruben Selles has not shied away from admitting that he wants the vacant Saints manager job.
Southampton will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday, February 18. They go into the match on the back of a three-match losing streak in the top-flight.
Nathan Jones, though, will not be in the dugout this time around as he was sacked after the team’s defeat to 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend. First-team coach Ruben Selles will take charge of the Saints instead.
Selles received a rare opportunity to display his managerial abilities after the Hampshire outfit failed in their bid to hire Jesse Marsch. There are claims that the club are prepared to hand the Spaniard the job until the end of the season.
Selles has now admitted that he would be more than happy to take the Saints job permanently. He is confident that he can do a good job as the team’s boss. He told a press conference:
"“Yes, I want to be the manager. As you asked me before, three, four months ago, I think I’m capable to do that as any other [candidate].”“But, it is not my decision. It’s okay for me, I just put everything that I can.”“I have the team now, we’re working really hard, we’ll do our best, and those are my skills.”“Then, the club will make a decision, but of course, I’ll be more than happy to get the job.”"
Southampton coach Selles says he’s ready to make step up
Selles has a vast amount of coaching experience under his belt, having worked in several countries, including Norway and Spain. He believes he is now ready to take a managerial job at a senior level. He said:
"“I’ve been feeling ready for the last four years. It’s not different now, it’s just that the scenario is bigger than it was before.”“But, I feel comfortable. I think I’m an honest person, I try to be very clear with the work we do.”“I think I’ve built myself up to be here with you today. I’ve been through all the levels in football, not in England, but in the rest of the world.“That’s a learning part, I’m very proud of what I did, I’m very proud of every single corner that I’ve been to.“I have a lot of personal experience and coaching experience. I think it’s a natural thing for me.”"
Selles will now be determined to stake his claim to be the next Saints boss when the team face Chelsea on Saturday.