Southampton rejected World Cup boss in favour of Ruben Selles appointment

A manager who was in charge of a team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup applied to become Southampton’s next manager before they appointed Ruben Selles, according to The Athletic.

The Saints began their hunt for their third manager of the season after sacking Nathan Jones earlier this month. Jesse Marsch quickly emerged as the favourite to take charge.

However, talks with the American tactician broke down at the final hurdle. First-team coach Selles, who was made the caretaker manager by then, then emerged as the favorite for the job.

The Spaniard’s reputation sky-rocketed after he led Southampton to a 1-0 win against Chelsea last weekend. The club hierarchy has thus made him the team’s manager until the end of the season.

It has now emerged that Selles was not the only candidate in the running for the job. According to the aforementioned source, other applicants sent their CVs to the club last week.

Among those who applied was a coach who managed a team at last year’s World Cup. The candidate in question reportedly sent a 30-page CV with the hopes of landing the job.

The identity of the manager is yet to be known. However, he is said to have led his former team to the knockouts of the World Cup in Qatar.

The applications, though, were not seemingly considered by the Hampshire-based club. They had zeroed in on Selles as their man.

Southampton give Selles the keys

After being impressed with how Selles has carried himself as the caretaker manager, the club have decided to give him the keys. Southampton have determined that the Spaniard is the man to lead them forward.

The 39-year-old will now be determined to steer the Saints away from the relegation zone. He will begin his time as the club’s permanent manager with a trip to Leeds United today, 25th February.

It remains to be seen how Selles will fare in his first senior managerial job.