Premier League club Southampton sacked their head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl on Monday. The club announced in a statement that they will be parting ways with the German following the Saint’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday. 

The 55-year-old was appointed the Saints manager in 2018, as a replacement for Mark Huges, making him the first Austrian ever to manage a Premier League club. 

Also read: Gerard Pique, Barcelona legend, announces retirement from club football in new video: Watch

“Hasenhüttl, who was appointed in December 2018, departs having made a significant contribution to the club, overseeing some memorable results and also playing a key role in the development of our club infrastructure, identity, and playing squad,” the club said in the statement. “However, we now believe it is an appropriate time to make a change.”

Southampton also said that Hasenhuttl’s assistant coach Richard Kitzbichler has also left the club. First team Lead Coach Ruben Selles will take charge of the team on an interim basis till a new manager is appointed. Selles will be on the touchline for Saint’s Wednesday’s game against Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL cup.

“Everyone involved with the club would like to express their sincere thanks to Ralph for all of his efforts, as well as the unwavering commitment he has shown throughout his time as manager,” Southampton further said in the statement.

Also read: Kylian Mbappe crosses Lionel Messi to become youngest player with 40 Champions League goals

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the club is already looking for a new manager to come in place of Hassenhutl. He says that Luton Town head coach Nathan Jones in a “leading candidate” for the job at Saint Mary’s Park. Romano has confirmed that talks are already on with Jones.

The Saints are currently battling relegation with only 12 points from 14 matches. They are sitting at the 18th position in the League table with only three wins so far in the season.