Southampton could sack manager Ralph Hasenhuttl before they take on Liverpool next Saturday.
The Athletic report the Saints have decided to part ways with the Austrian - either during the break for the World Cup or before their final Premier League clash before the season shuts down, which sees them make the trip to Anfield.
The report claims Southampton had wanted to wait before sacking Hasenhuttl but they could now bring their decision forward following today's 4-1 home loss to Newcastle United.
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Hasenhuttl has spent four years in charge of the Saints after a successful spell stint at RB Leipzig. But the defeat to Newcastle was his side's eighth in 14 league matches this season and leaves them in the relegation places going into the clash with Liverpool, who returned to winning ways this evening with a 2-1 triumph at Tottenham Hotspur.
Hasenhuttl is a friend of Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and famously cried after Southampton beat Liverpool 1-0 at St Mary's in January 2021.
Following the beating by Newcastle, the 55-year-old was asked if that would be his final game in charge of the Saints.
Hasenhuttl said: "I have taken a lot of decisions since I've been here. Thankfully, the good thing is that I don't have to take this one."
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