Hasenhuttl ignores sack talk as Saints reportedly line up Premier League boss as replacement
Ralph Hasenhuttl is concentrating on ending Southampton’s poor form, not whether or not he will be the next Premier League manager sacked.
It was reported on Wednesday that the Austrian was ‘on the brink’ of losing his job at St Mary’s.
He is still in a job as of today, however, and was in attendance to speak to the media before his side take on Manchester City this weekend.
It is not the best game for a manager when they are under a severe amount of pressure, but Southampton did draw against the champions in both league fixtures in 2021-22.
Hasenhuttl doesn’t look like he is feeling the pressure.
He told reporters on Thursday: “You don’t need to ask me these questions if you don’t want to. We have a beautiful game to talk about.
“From my side, I’ve been here a long time. We’ve had tough times and good times and I don’t have a different feeling than every other Premier League manager.
“You need results and wins and you need to concentrate on them.”
Asked if his current situation is the worst it has ever been during his four-year spell at Southampton, Hasenhuttl said: “No. We’ve had better periods that’s for sure and we’re facing Man City.
“We know what team we’re facing but I know we drew twice against them last season and were one of few teams to take a point off them at the Etihad. That’s what we’re concentrating on, the rest is up to you guys.”
It has been reported that Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is top of the Saints’ list to replace the former RB Leipzig manager.
Cooper is also under pressure with his side sat bottom of the Premier League and without a win since matchday one against West Ham.
Champions League-winning manager Rafael Benitez has been linked with the job at the City Ground, however, a report on Wednesday said that Forest are looking to continue with Cooper at the helm.
It is according to the Daily Mail that the Welshman is a possible target to replace Hasenhuttl should he be relieved of his duties.
The report states that his departure would result in ‘a full recruitment procedure’.
Cooper’s track record of working with and developing young players is something that aligns with Southampton’s philosophy, making him a desirable appointment.
Forest are putting their faith in Cooper after he led them to promotion last term, ending the club’s 23-year hiatus from the top flight.
The Reds spent over £100million in the summer transfer window, bringing in 22 players in total and smashing their transfer record twice.
Unfortunately, results have not represented their ambitious summer thus far.
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