Southampton are looking to appoint their next manager following the sacking of Russell Martin, and they are looking to appoint former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand, according to a report from talkSPORT.
The Saints are at the bottom of the Premier League table with only five points from 16 games, and the club decided to part ways with Martin after Southampton lost 5-0 against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Southampton have earmarked Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl as a potential option, but it seems he is not the only one who is being looked at. In fact, Rohl’s compensation package could be a major obstacle in bringing him to St Mary’s.
Alex Crook reports that “reliable sources have confirmed” that Southampton previously considered hiring Hjulmand, who led Denmark to the Euro 2020 semi-finals.
West Ham United also consider him an option for potential replacement of Julen Lopetegui.
The 52-year-old manager is open to joining a Premier League club, so a move to St Mary’s could be on the cards.
One potential option for #SaintsFC is former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand. Was high on their shortlist post Hasenhuttl. Also been considered by #WHUFC. https://t.co/kTawxRnLrP
— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) December 16, 2024
Southampton need to be careful with their appointment
Hjulmand is a vastly experienced manager. He guided FC Nordsjælland to the Danish Superliga triumph for the first time in their history in the 2011/12 season.
After taking charge of Mainz in 2014, he returned for a second stint until 2019.
He then took charge of the Denmark national team and has overseen three major tournaments during his time.
On the surface, it looks like he could be a smart appointment for the club, but it won’t be easy for any foreign manager to come and make an impact straight away.
Under Martin, the team has been trained to play a certain way, and it will be very difficult for players to adapt to a new system.
Martin did a terrific job last season as he guided the club to the top tier of English football, and he is someone who has implemented an attacking brand of football.
However, he needed to adapt to the Premier League, but he wasn’t willing to change. After just one win in 16 games, the fans had lost faith in him, and Southampton had no option but to sack him.