Ralph Hasenhuttl signs four-year extension at Southampton

Ralph Hasenhüttl has signed a four-year contract at Southampton the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The deal ties the Austrian to the club until 2024 and is a firm sign of the commitment between Southampton and Hasenhüttl.

Hasenhüttl arrived from RB Leipzig in December 2018 after taking over from the outgoing Mark Hughes, with Saints sitting inside the relegation zone.

During his 18-month tenure on the south coast, the 52-year-old oversaw Southampton’s dash to Premier League safety in 2018/19, the transition of regularly playing youth team players Michael Obafemi and Will Smallbone, and revitalised a defensive partnership between Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek.

“This, for me, was a simple decision. Simple because of the relationship that I have built with the club, the players and the fans, and also because of the relationship they have built with me too,” said Hasenhuttl to the Official Southampton Website.

“For me, this is an important step in the journey. My players, our staff, and of course the supporters must understand my commitment to this club and to what we are trying to build together.

“We value the same philosophies, and this is a big part of why I want to stay here, and I hope we can share in some very successful moments moving forward.”

It hasn’t been all smooth for Hasenhüttl, who came under fire following Southampton’s 9-0 defeat to Leicester City, but the board kept faith in their man. Wins over Chelsea and Tottenham during a dramatic upturn in form, meanwhile, further alleviated any pressure.

“There has never been any question in my mind that Ralph is the right man to lead our club, and I look forward to working in partnership with him over the next four years. I know there is no one who will work harder to bring success back for our fans,” said Southampton’s Chief Executive Officer Martin Semmens.

“To be competitive within the Premier League you simply cannot stand still. We need a clear plan that is rooted in hard work and the development of young players on and off the pitch. Ralph brings to us experience of winning, but more than that, an absolute commitment to his philosophy and the development of all age groups at the club.”

Southampton is currently in 14th place with a seven-point cushion above the relegation zone ahead the Premier League’s return later this month.