Aston Villa have parted ways with manager Dean Smith – and it sounds like Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is one of their early targets.
Villa sacked Smith on Sunday afternoon, less than 48 hours after the 1-0 defeat to Southampton.
That’s five Premier League losses in a row for Villa, and they have decided to move on from Smith after three years in charge.
Smith got Villa promoted and established them in the Premier League again, so this exit is an emotional one – especially for a boyhood Villa fan.
Now the attention turns to finding a replacement at Villa Park.
The Telegraph report that Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl – the last manager to beat Smith at Villa – is wanted.
The Austrian has been in charge of the Saints for almost three years now, winning 36% of his games.
Aston Villa fans seem split on Hasenhuttl move
‘The Alpine Klopp’ has a decent reputation despite mixed results at Southampton, and Villa fans seem divided.
Some fans feel that Hasenhuttl would be a ‘top, top’ appointment and a ‘class’ addition to the club.
There are fans who would take Hasenhuttl in a heartbeat, believing he is a good option for the Villa job.
Others aren’t convinced at all, believing that Villa might as well have kept Smith if they were going for Hasenhuttl.
Some simply don’t think Hasenhuttl is an upgrade, urging Villa to look elsewhere for a new manager.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
