Ralph Hasenhüttl has extended his stay at Southampton until 2024. The 52-year-old former RB Leipzig manager helped avoid relegation after succeeding Mark Hughes a year and a half ago and has made a big impression on the club’s hierarchy.
Hasenhüttl’s new four-year contract comes eight months on from a 9-0 trouncing at home to Leicester, after which the chief executive, Martin Semmens, made a point of reassuring the manager. Sir Alex Ferguson also sent Hasenhüttl an uplifting message.
That result left Southampton in the relegation zone with eight points from 10 matches but Hasenhüttl galvanised the squad and they are 14th, seven points above the relegation zone with nine matches remaining before the Premier League’s restart on 17 June.
Informal talks have been continuing for months and only now has Hasenhüttl set aside a reluctance to agree a contract before top-flight status has been secured.
Hasenhüttl said agreeing a deal was a “simple decision”. He added: “For me this is an important step in the journey. My players, our staff, and the supporters must understand my commitment to this club and to what we are trying to build together. We value the same philosophies and this is a big part of why I want to stay here. I hope we can share in some very successful moments.”
Hasenhüttl has proved a popular appointment, re-energising Southampton with a front-foot style of play, as well as placing faith in several youngsters, including the academy graduates Yan Valery, Michael Obafemi and Will Smallbone, who made his league debut in February.
Semmens said: “There has never been any question in my mind that Ralph is the right man to lead our club and I look forward to working in partnership with him over the next four years. I know there is no one who will work harder to bring success back for our fans.”
