Ralph Hasenhüttl is a man on a mission.
To save Southampton from much feared Premier League relegation.
And if he fails in that mission, then he’ll fall on his sword and leave the club to a new pair of hands, report SportBild in their magazine this week.
It’s worth listening to SportBild and Bild when it comes to the new Saints boss, because they led with the story of him taking over and have spoken to the manager on more than one occasion since.
On making a quick exit should he fall to keep them up, Hasenhüttl is quoted as saying: “If you fail as a coach, you have to make room for someone new.”
He has a contract until 2021 which has no relegation clause and it’s unclear whether the manager is being principled or laying the groundwork for an escape.
Southampton are only three points from safety, it’s not a hopeless situation, so there’s every chance the Austrian will be continuing at the club beyond the current season.
SportBild say their information tells them Hasenhüttl is earning ‘about €2m a year’, the same as he was at RB Leipzig.
It’s not made clear, but there may also be a bonus for salvation, with the manager adding: “If we manage to keep the team in the Premier League, the risk for me will also pay off financially.”
