Southampton, currently at the bottom of the Premier League, dismissed their manager Russell Martin on Sunday following a humiliating 0-5 loss to Tottenham at their home ground.
"We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our men's first team manager Russell Martin," the club said in a statement.
Martin's tenure saw only a single victory in 16 matches and they are currently nine points away from the safe zone in the standings. Simon Rusk, the existing Under-21s manager, will serve as the temporary head coach until the club names a permanent successor.
"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," the club's statement further read.
"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."
In the Sunday evening fixture, Southampton's defence collapsed as they allowed Tottenham to score five times before the half-time interval.
"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," Martin said, talking about his future.
