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Report: Aston Villa want 54-year-old manager compared to Klopp after sacking Dean Smith

Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
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Aston Villa are considering a move for Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl as a replacement for Dean Smith following his exit.

Villa today parted ways with Smith after five straight defeats. Friday’s 1-0 loss away at Southampton proved to be Smith’s final game as Villa boss.

It would therefore be somewhat ironic if Smith were to be replaced by Hasenhuttl – the Saints boss who beat Smith on Friday.

The Telegraph claim that Hasenhuttl features prominently on Villa’s list of managers as they look to replace Smith.

Hasenhuttl is far from Villa’s only target, but they could raid Southampton again – just as they did for Matt Targett and Danny Ings in recent memory.

Who is Villa target Hasenhuttl?

The 54-year-old – who has been branded the Alpine Klopp – started his managerial career in Germany with Unterhaching and Aalen.

Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images

Hasenhuttl miraculously guided Ingolstadt to the Bundesliga before spending two largely successful years at RB Leipzig.

Hasenhuttl’s time at Southampton hasn’t always been perfect, but his side have played decent football throughout his tenure.

With more money to spend, Hasenhuttl could be a huge success elsewhere – and Villa can offer that, which may well be tempting.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton embraces Dean Smith, Manager of Aston Villa prior to  the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Aston Villa at St Mary's Stadium on February 22, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images