Southampton are rock bottom of the Premier League and are currently manager-less three points adrift from safety, so who could be the man to try to lead the Saints to Premier League survival in the remainder of the season?
The Saints have been one of the poorest teams so far this season and they sacked manager Nathan Jones after just eight games in charge on the South Coast, but who are the candidates to take over the Southampton sinking ship for the rest of the year?
5. Marcelo Gallardo
The first manager on our shortlist of candidates is Marcelo Gallardo, who is the former River Plate boss and currently remains without a job for the second half of the season.
During his eight and a half years in charge of River Plate, the Argentinian manager won 14 trophies, three of which came within the first 14 months at the helm.
Gallardo has already earned high praise from some of the top managers in the world, with Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola leading the positive words:
“What Gallardo has done with River is incredible. Every year three coaches are named as the best in the world, and he’s never among them.”
4. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney has enjoyed a very mixed start to his management career however remains one of those who could take over at Southampton for the remainder of the season.
The 37-year old was able to help Derby to avoid relegation in the 2020/21 season however with a heavy points deduction a season later, Rooney was unable to help the side avoid the drop and left for D.C. United in June the same year.
Rooney has enjoyed his time across the pond so far and so it would be a surprise if the Premier League legend was to make a return to England this season.
🇧🇴🤝🏴
Legends of the game. pic.twitter.com/C9aS1N8XdU
— D.C. United (@dcunited) February 20, 2023
3. Steven Gerrard
Former Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is certainly a candidate to take over at Southampton, but with a fairly poor management career so far, can the Saints afford to take a risk on Gerrard?
Gerrard was sacked by Aston Villa in November of 2021 and has been out of work ever since so the former Rangers boss could certainly be a risk worth taking for Southampton who have almost nothing left to lose.
The Liverpool legend has been rumoured as a candidate for almost every job since he was sacked, however is still yet to decide on his next step in management leaving the door open for Southampton’s vacancy.
2. Jesse Marsch
Jesse Marsch was sacked by Leeds at the beginning of February after leaving his side just one place above Southampton in the relegation zone and the American emerged as a clear early favourite to take over from Nathan Jones at fellow relegation threatened club.
Marsch was in charge of Leeds for just 20 Premier League games and after failing to find a win in his last seven league games in charge, time was up for the manager.
Talks broke down between Marsch and Southampton however, as the former Leeds boss asked for a long-term contract that the Saints couldn’t provide with relegation looming large.
Negotiations between Jesse Marsch and Southampton collapsed as the contract length was one of the main issues — the American coach wanted a long term deal ⚪️🔴🇺🇸 #SaintsFC
Agreement was close on Monday but talks are now off. pic.twitter.com/rAgEtCbPgd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 15, 2023
1. Ruben Selles
The current favourite to take over the Southampton job is Ruben Selles, who is the 1/4 favourite with most bookmakers to take the vacant role on the South Coast.
Selles briefly took charge of Southampton during the Hasenhuttl/Jones transition and so the Spaniard has already got plenty of experience with the team and could be the man to guide the Saints to survival.
Southampton would be happy for interim boss Ruben Selles to take charge until the end of the season, but the club will take their time before making any decision.
Members of the board have been impressed by the 39-year-old's dedication and detail in training. pic.twitter.com/Tj4JvXjHIf
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 16, 2023
Although he may not be a household name, Selles has plenty of experience coaching in Greece, Denmark, Spain and now England and with a 1-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend the Spaniard has put out a great advertisement for the job.
Related Football Content
- Football Betting Tips 2023 – Latest Picks & Football Tips
- Football Predictions January 2023
- Football Accumulator Tips 2023 – Latest Acca Betting Tips
- Best Correct Score Tipsters on Telegram & Social Media 2023
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
