Southampton’s claim that many ‘high calibre’ managers wish to join the club; but is this smoke screen for the doom and gloom that is fast approaching the fans?
Southampton’s claim that many ‘high calibre’ managers wish to join the club; but is this smoke screen for the doom and gloom that is fast approaching the fans?
For most Saints supporters, the turnaround of events from relegation to the rise to the Premier League can be deemed as quite an achievement.
Holding on to their key players during this time and improving the academy has proven to be quite a success, finishing the last campaign in 8th place and matching a club record.
But with the recent announcements of Mauricio Pochettino’s switch to Tottenham Hotspur and talisman Ricky Lambert leaving for Liverpool, many will start to relive old times.
Southampton have been referred to as a feeder club, generating exceptional talent with the likes of Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Bale all being sold to bigger clubs and leaving the South Coast club having to make do.
Some may ask: Are Southampton sliding back into the old ways and will the club be threatened with relegation?
Trying to steady a rocky ship, new chairman Ralph Krueger was interviewed by the media, stating many high-calibre managers want to join Southampton. For fans, this is wonderful news and maybe the turmoil that is deemed to be happening at Southampton isn’t quite as bad. But is this extravagant statement true or is it a smoke screen for the doom fast approaching?
Southampton are reported to have spoken to Ronald Koeman as a possible replacement for Pochettino, but it seems that Southampton are thought to be pursuing Fulham’s Felix Magath with Fulham not allowing him to talk with the club.
One would pose the question of why Southampton are chasing other, employed managers if what Ralph Kruger said is true. If high-calibre managers are knocking on the door, why look elsewhere?
Of course it could be that they aren’t as good as initially made out or that this is a smoke screen to cover up from the mass exodus which looks probable.
The success on the pitch has attracted bigger clubs, and although initially this is wonderful for the Saints as it shows they have progressed a lot, the attention seems to have put the club under a lot of pressure not to sell to keep fans and players believing in the European dream.
What is next for Southampton?
Well, I believe it isn’t all doom and gloom as portrayed by local and national media. The club are standing firm on their statement of not letting anyone else leave until a new manager is put into place. Rickie Lambert has left for Liverpool but who amongst the Southampton fans can hold a grudge against a player from joining his boyhood club? Not many.
If Southampton can employ a high calibre manager as mentioned-like Koeman-and he manages to persuade the exceptional Adam Lallana and rising star Luke Shaw to stay, the Saints will continue to march on. Adding a few more players to the team with the reported £50million funds available to the manager could transform what seems like a turbulent time for fans soon become a very bright future.
As to what direction is taken next, only the Southampton board know but the next two weeks could prove pivotal to which route they go down. Whatever decision is made, it’s the name on the front of the shirt that matters – not on the back.
Originally appeared on jamesreading86.wordpress.com.
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