With just one point accumulated after the first seven matchdays, Southampton may again have to face a relegation battle towards the end of the season if the Saints couldn't get good results in the upcoming matches. If that is the case, manager Russell Martin may be replaced with a new manager around the January transfer window. This happened with the Saints two seasons ago, where they were managed by three different managers in their relegation season.
While Ralph Hassenhuttl and Ruben Selles were given enough time to make a turnaround in the league after an underwhelming start, Nathan Jones became Southampton's shortest-serving manager with only eight Premier League matches in charge of the Saints. Although Jones managed to take only one league win, he inspired the Saints to reach the Carabao Cup semi-final after a memorable 2-0 win over defending Premier League Champions Manchester City. Jones also recommended the Southampton board to sign Kamaldeen Sulemana and Paul Onuachu, who would adapt well in his preferred front three formation.
Shortest-serving Southampton manager admits he needed time to thrive
However, those signings didn't work out as expected and Jones was replaced by assistant manager Ruben Selles, who managed Southampton until the end of that season. Currently, Jones is managing Championship side Charlton Athletic and recently admitted about not being given enough time to thrive at Southampton, saying,
"At Stoke, I categorically failed. I was given enough time. At Southampton, I was given eight games. I’m not sure David Blaine would’ve done a good job in eight games. That is an anomaly, Southampton."Nathan Jones
Jones has previously led Luton Town to the Championship playoffs and highlighted the importance of giving enough time to a new manager to become successful after joining a new club. Therefore, Southampton need to back the current manager Russell Martin for the next few matches as well before deciding on appointing a new manager. Although Russell Martin's side are yet to consistently take good results in the Premier League, their performance and defensive resilience in the previous four matches has uplifted an important momentum boost in the squad.
Further, Southampton need to keep the January transfer window in mind when considering making a huge managerial decision, in case the Saints don't take some important league wins after the international break. Thus, it remains to be seen whether a managerial change is on the cards for Southampton this season.