Southampton sack Ralph Hasenhuttl

Southampton have confirmed the sacking of manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (55) a day after their 4-1 loss to Newcastle.

The Austrian managed Southampton since December 2018 and was at the receiving end of two 9-0 defeats to Leicester and Manchester United respectively, equalling the record for the worst Premier League loss. Eversince beating Chelsea in late August, the Saints won only once in the next nine matches, defeating newly promoted Bournemouth. The last straw was a 4-1 loss to Newcastle which leaves Southampton 18th in the Premier League table.

"Hasenhuttl departs having made a significant contribution to the club," Southampton said in a statement. "However, we now believe it is an appropriate time to make a change.

First-team coach Ruben Selles will take charge for Wednesday's Carabao Cup third round tie against League One side Sheffield Wednesday.

Hasenhuttl, who was the division's fourth-longest serving manager, has become the fifth to have been dismissed in the Premier League so far this season.

Scott Parker, Bruno Lage, Thomas Tuchel and Steven Gerrard were sacked by Bournemouth, Wolves, Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.