Southampton could move for an ‘exciting appointment’ in Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca if they choose to sack Ralph Hasenhuttl, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Austrian has come under pressure in recent weeks and owners Sport Republic may be putting in plans in place to replace him at St Mary’s.
What is the latest on Hasenhuttl?
The Southampton manager was backed with over £60 million in the summer transfer window as he bolstered his squad.
But pressure grew on him after the Saints lost four successive games in the Premier League, including defeats to fellow strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.
After the run of disappointments, The Telegraph reported that Hasenhuttl was on the brink of losing his job if things did not turn around.
But draws against West Ham United and Arsenal, as well as a victory over Bournemouth, have helped ease the pressure momentarily, although the boss was still jeered by his own supporters against the Cherries.
Former Saints defender Francis Benali has thrown his support behind the manager, describing recent results as ‘important’, particularly with ‘a lot of players missing’.
Meanwhile, journalist Dean Jones has recently told GiveMeSport that the club are continuing to weigh up the future of Hasenhuttl.
According to MailOnline, one name they are considering as a replacement is Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City assistant coach Maresca.
What has O’Rourke said on Maresca?
O’Rourke believes Hasenhuttl is still fighting for his job despite a slight upturn in form and that Maresca would be an ideal replacement.
The journalist says the coach’s reputation for managing youngsters makes him the perfect choice to step in should Sport Republic make a decision.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “Obviously, Hasenhuttl is fighting to save his job right now and I'm sure Southampton would be looking at possible replacements and Maresca would fit the bill for them as they have been spending a lot of money bringing younger players in over the summer and Maresca has got a reputation for helping develop young players. It would be an exciting appointment if they are to part with Hasenhuttl.”
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Would Maresca be a good appointment?
According to the report from MailOnline, Maresca remains highly rated at the Etihad and Southampton face a battle to persuade City into letting him leave, with Guardiola previously describing him as 'incredible'.
The Italian has previously held similar positions with Ascoli, Sevilla and West Ham so he is certainly not lacking in experience.
This summer saw Southampton bring in a raft of young talent and, given Maresca’s past experience leading City’s development squads, it is easy to see why Southampton could see him as the right fit.
For now, it appears Hasenhuttl has bought himself some time but it will be interesting to see what happens when the next disappointing result arrives.
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