In the aftermath of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s sacking at St Mary’s, Saints legend Franny Benali described the Austrian as a “passionate and an intense man and manager”.
The 55-year-old Southampton gaffer exited the south coast side on Monday after almost four years managing the squad, after the reins were handed over from Mark Hughes in December 2018.
Hassenhuttl took charge of 173 games during his tenure at Saints, winning 59 matches.
When asked how he would review Hasenhuttl’s tenure at the club, Benali told Sky Sports: “I think there has been a lot of positive stuff.
“Clearly a passionate and an intense man and manager. Certainly through COVID there was that plan to have a style and philosophy of play from the first team right through the age groups.
“He stabilised the club when he came in initially after taking over from Mark Hughes.
“I think it’s just been that rollercoaster. You are looking for consistency over time and improvement.
“Clearly, I think seeing the club drop into the bottom three hasn’t helped his cause. The timing as well, the fact he has been in the job for almost four years now.
“There has been some good things but some really heavy defeats.
“The two 9-0s against Manchester United and Leicester City were moments when other clubs may have parted ways with the manager – they didn’t they stuck with him but I guess they are at a point where they feel they now need to make that change.”
Hasenhuttl’s removal came less than 24 hours after Saints were slammed 4-1 by Newcastle United on Sunday.
When pushed for a reaction about the decision, Benali said: “I guess one of not real surprise, it’s been something that’s been spoken about for quite some time now.
“I think results have been that up and down scenario, that rollercoaster ride of some defeats and a run of poor form, mixed with a result here and there that’s probably extended this decision.
“I think we saw that recently with a point against West Ham, win at Bournemouth then backing that up with a point against Arsenal.
“Potentially, if there was a loss or a couple of losses in there, it may have been an earlier decision.
“Clearly, a decision the board have taken at this point, to make the choice.
“A new appointment. We will have to wait and see clearly what and who that is going to be and when.
“But the timing of it gives them the World Cup break and the chance to work with this young squad and potentially have a window as well where they could do some business.”
The Saints’ Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday at St Mary’s on Wednesday will be under first team lead coach Ruben Selles.