In the aftermath of Ralph Hasenhuttl\u2019s sacking at St Mary\u2019s, Saints legend Franny Benali described the Austrian as a \u201cpassionate and an intense man and manager\u201d.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Hassenhuttl took charge of 173 games\u00a0during his tenure at Saints, winning 59 matches.<\/p>\n
When asked how he would review Hasenhuttl\u2019s tenure at the club, Benali told Sky Sports: \u201cI think there has been a lot of positive stuff.<\/p>\n
\u201cClearly 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe stabilised the club when he came in initially after taking over from Mark Hughes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s just been that rollercoaster. You are looking for consistency over time and improvement.<\/p>\n
\u201cClearly, I think seeing the club drop into the bottom three hasn\u2019t helped his cause. The timing as well, the fact he has been in the job for almost four years now.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere has been some good things but some really heavy defeats.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe two 9-0s against Manchester United and Leicester City were moments when other clubs may have parted ways with the manager \u2013 they didn\u2019t they stuck with him but I guess they are at a point where they feel they now need to make that change.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hasenhuttl\u2019s removal came less than 24 hours after Saints were slammed 4-1 by Newcastle United on Sunday.<\/p>\n
When pushed for a reaction about the decision, Benali said: \u201cI guess one of not real surprise, it\u2019s been something that\u2019s been spoken about for quite some time now.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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\u2019s probably extended this decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we saw that recently with a point against West Ham, win at Bournemouth then backing that up with a point against Arsenal.<\/p>\n
\u201cPotentially, if there was a loss or a couple of losses in there, it may have been an earlier decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cClearly, a decision the board have taken at this point, to make the choice.<\/p>\n
\u201cA new appointment. We will have to wait and see clearly what and who that is going to be and when.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Saints\u2019 Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday at St Mary\u2019s on Wednesday will be under first team lead coach Ruben Selles.<\/p>\n
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