We take a look at the favourites to become new Southampton manager with Russell Martin sacked after his side’s 5-0 defeat to Spurs.
The result on Sunday left them nine points off Premier League safety, while it’s the 13th defeat in the league this campaign from 16 games.
Their only victory this season came against Everton in November, while the Saints have scored a league-low 11 goals.
Martin had lead the Saints to promotion last year in his first season in charge, beating Leeds United in the playoff final at Wembley.
According to reporter Max Tatum (@Maxmedia619): “Understand #SaintsFC will be making #SWFC manager Danny Rohl there number one target with an approach been finalised by Sports Republic , compensation likely to be around £3/4 Million with Sports republic and Rohls representatives keen on a deal to be finalised. Understand Rohl has become increasingly frustrated at #SWFC Moyes/Corberan names also discussed as back up by Sports Republic article out later today.”
Footy Insider claim: “Sheffield Wednesday will do ‘everything they can’ to keep Southampton manager target Danny Rohl. Club chiefs are keen on the German but his potential appointment could be complicated by a fight for compensation.”
They gave a further update: “Carlos Corberan is a top contender for the vacant Southampton manager job. He is keen to quit West Brom and take over at a Premier League club. The 41-year-old has emerged as the new favourite after boardroom talks.”
“When we have a setback we don’t deal with it anywhere near well enough; it’s been the story of the season so far” 💬
Russell Martin reacts to Southampton’s 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham 👇 pic.twitter.com/tq5AZbZxw2
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024
We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our Men’s First Team Manager, Russell Martin.
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 15, 2024
CLUB STATEMENT:
We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our Men’s First Team Manager, Russell Martin.
Going into the start of the season, we all knew the challenges that we would face this year as we readjusted to life in the top flight, competing in the best and most competitive league in the world.
However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board have supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations. We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they have given the club on and off the pitch over the last 18 months. Everyone connected with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially the Play-Off Final win in May.
Current Under-21s Manager Simon Rusk will take charge of the team on an interim basis until we announce a permanent replacement.
Behind the scenes, we are encouraged by the continued development of talent coming through our Academy. We are proud of the contributions our young players are making and are confident this will remain a source of strength and pride for everyone associated with the club.
We are also deeply grateful for the continued support and positivity shown by our fans. We are witnessing first-hand the significant gap between the Championship and the Premier League, but your understanding and passion, even when results have not been what we all want, continue to drive our long-term commitment to the club.
FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW SOUTHAMPTON MANAGER
Sky Bet – 16th Dec
Danny Rohl – 6/4
Carlos Corberan – 5/1
David Moyes – 8/1
Graham Potter – 12/1
Kasper Hjulmand – 12/1
Lee Carsley – 12/1
Michael Carrick – 12/1
Rafael Benitez – 12/1
Ralph Hasenhuttl – 14/1
According to talkSPORT, Southampton could potentially turn to Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl to be Russell Martin’s permanent successor, with Rohl a contender for the job having previously been assistant to Ralph Hasenhuttl while the Saints board also backs the idea of bringing Rohl in.
Southampton boss Russell Martin speaking to TNT Sports: “I was hurt in the first half. We did not respond very well to the setbacks as a group. We have seen that all too often this season. After the first goal, our response was very poor.
“It’s most disappointing because we had worked on a plan. We had a week’s training and the players have been part of that process. But we did not carry out anywhere near the intensity or aggression we needed. I didn’t recognise our team in the first half. But I am pleased they stuck out in the second half.
“At this point, it is about pride and showing some care for each other.”
On the fans: “They were amazing in the second half. Really good.”
On whether he was hurt by the boos: “As a person, no. Because I understand that it’s not personal. But as a manager, yes. It hurts me as well as the team. But I also understand it.
On future: “We have no choice but to keep working and fighting. It’s what I have been doing in this job and I will continue doing it until I am told not to.”
Southampton forward Adam Armstrong speaking to TNT Sports: “It’s a tough one to take. At this level you get cut open quite easily and we got punished straight away. It’s hard to put into words really. We weren’t good enough, it’s as simple as that. You try and get the group going again at half-time. We gave everything when we came out second-half but it’s just one of those nights – not good enough.”
On what went wrong: “We just got punished in the wrong moments. When to press and when not to. They cut us open a few times and the first goal was 40/50 seconds which just isn’t good enough at this level. We’ve seen how brutal this league is and once you’re cut open it’s just hard to stop them. I’ve got nothing else to say really it just wasn’t good enough from all of us.
On whether there was enough instruction from the bench: “We were there to do a job and we set up to do a job. It was just one of those nights it just didn’t go our away. The lads gave everything throughout the second-half. I’m lost for words. It’s a tough one because you can’t start that bad in any sport and we got punished.”
On whether the confidence has taken a hit: “You could say that. It’s not easy when you’re bottom of the Premier League. Confidence comes from wins and that’s something we’re not doing at the minute. I can’t fault the lads, we give it everything every day to earn why we should be here. We don’t want to take it for granted. We work hard every day and nights like tonight we got punished.
“I’ve said in previous interviews the Premier League is the best in the world and when you’re coming up against these teams it’s tough. I’ve got nothing else to say it’s a tough one for me and the team. We have to move forward and take everyday as it comes.”
Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis speaking to Premier League Productions: “It was difficult. It’s tough to speak right after it. We just killed ourselves with the first action of the game really and went 1-0 down. Then when you are in this moments, it creates a bit of indecision in the team. We put ourselves on the backfoot to start with and it killed us.
“It’s quite clear with us three or four goals down in the first half that we are not playing at the level we should be. We have been at that level before and still haven’t won the game It’s the story of our season really.
“It’s hard to take for the lads and the manger as well. Its not a reflection of him or his staff. It’s difficult. It wasn’t good enough and we know that.”
On fans: “They want to see the team win, so it’s normal. The booing should be on us players and not the manager. He’s not creating the mistakes. It is us on the pitch. But they just want to see the team win. Credit to them, they stuck with us after a first half that wasn’t acceptable. I can’t thank them enough for sticking with us till the end.”
On Kamaldeen Sulemana: “He is not really happy. He wants to play football but it’s not personal. We had to changes something as we were 3-0 down. It’s unfortunate it was he who had to come off. It’s not personal to him.”
On what needs to change: “We need to be better. It’s as simple as that. We have got boys in there who’s willing to put anything on the line. It sounds a bit deluded, but we have what it takes in this dressing room [to stay up].
“We are not going to stop believing. We got to play for ourselves. We got pride and we want to do more than anyone. We are never giving up. It’s not an option.”
“It hurts me, it hurts the team, but we understand it”
Russell Martin understands the frustration of the Southampton fans, but wants the team to get back to work and improve performances 🗣
🎙@Becky_Ives_ | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/3ywpzVNwUn
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 15, 2024
“I’m lost for words really… it’s a tough one”
A dejected Adam Armstrong gave an honest reflection of Southampton’s performance against Tottenham 😕
🎙@Becky_Ives_ | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/LRqHEQnfiw
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 15, 2024
“I think there’ll be some home truths”@AaronRamsdale98 is expecting brutal honesty from Southampton’s management team after their 5-0 loss to Tottenham 🗣
🎙@lynseyhipgrave1 | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/wTYFWi1h1f
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 15, 2024
@BckoftheNortham: Thank you for last season Russ. Sorry it ended this way. UTFS
@michaelomeara67: Thanks for last season and the memories Russ 👍
@dankiz1: #saintsfc we are down, I think we all know that! New manager has to inspire fans, get them onside at very least. SR need to recruit way better so we have a chance of being stronger if we come back up. Tough choices ahead
@HomeAwaySaint: The reality is (even if you don’t agree) that we are already down, no team has ever survived from this position. Give someone the job for NEXT season, gives them the rest of this season to implement their style, with two transfer windows to prepare. #saintsfc
@SaintsWayPod:
• Longest unbeaten run in the clubs history
• Biggest party atmosphere at St Mary’s since 2011/12 (possibly ever)
• Bought a fractured & divided dressing room together
• Lifted a trophy at Wembley
Whatever you do next, I wish you well Russ ❤️
#Saintsfc
@SFCTom123: Now it’s sunk in, as much as yes style of play wasn’t right and he simply wasn’t good enough for the prem. does make you think how much this VAR decisions has affected this #SaintsFc
@JWilloughby7: Fascinating reading people wanting Danny Rohl purely for the fact he’s been at the club previously. With that in mind surely Dennis Rofe, Ian Branfoot and Mark Wotte are in with a shout 😂 #saintsfc
@1989Ian: I liked Martin but he was far too nieve for the Prem. Sometimes you have to adapt your style of football based on the players you have available. The decision to part ways has come too late though. Who is going to want the job. It’ll take a brave man to take it (sorry) #SaintsFC
@COYSNZfan: Been a #SaintsFC fan for 40 years. Have never set foot in Southampton but will be attending the Hammers game on Boxing Day. More downs than ups and it SUX to be a Saints supporter but I wouldn’t have it any other way and couldn’t dream of supporting any other club. UTS till I die
@andydavis1978: It was inevitable it was going to end this way. The team and the players haven’t improved all season. The persistence to play a certain way was absolute madness. Yes we lack quality players, but we also need a manager that can get the best out of what we have. #saintsfc
You must be logged in to post a comment Login