Southampton are currently in dire straits after going nine points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Premier League table.
The Saints did well to get promoted to the Premier League via the Championship playoffs last season, but they have struggled to stay competitive in the top flight this term.
Southampton have picked up just five points from their 16 Premier League matches this season, winning one game and scoring a mere 11 goals.
On Sunday, the Saints found themselves five goals down against Tottenham Hotspur at half-time, and manager Russell Martin was sacked after the 5-0 defeat.
Southampton legend Jason Dodd has now given his verdict on whether the Saints can stay up in the Premier League and what the club has really got wrong this term.
Jan Bednarek of Southampton looks dejected during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at St Mary's Stadium on ...
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
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Jason Dodd believes Southampton Premier League survival is now impossible
Dodd, speaking to BBC Sport, admitted that he thinks Premier League survival is beyond Southampton’s reach at this stage.
“I think so, I’ve got to be honest,” Dodd said when asked whether keeping the Saints up is now an impossible task.
“The problem is that the level in the Premier League is just so high and this is a good group of players but I don’t think the right ones to keep us in the League.
“We mentioned about recruitment and I don’t think they got it right.”
Dodd also spoke about what Southampton fans would want to see from the next manager.
“Saints deserve to be where we are and that’s the reality of it,” Dodd added.
“The players are a really good group but it’s a step up in this league and we have really struggled to make that step.”
“For the new man coming in it’s going to be a massive job.
“As supporters we want to see attacking football and attempts at goal and intensity where players give everything.
“I think that’s been lacking and it starts with the manager.”
Southampton have held talks with Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl, according to reports, while Ivan Juric is also said to be a Saints target.
Former Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand is another name linked with the Southampton hotseat, along with Carlos Corberan being said to be a Saints target.
Southampton’s business in 2024 summer transfer window
Southampton’s summer business saw them spend around £100million on new signings, with 20 players joining or set to join after striking deals in the summer.
Aaron Ramsdale – Arsenal, £25m
Maxwel Cornet – West Ham, loan
Ryan Fraser – Newcastle, undisclosed
Flynn Downes – West Ham, £18m
Ronnie Edwards – Peterborough, £6m
Taylor Harwood-Bellis – Manchester City, £20m
Yukinari Sugawara – AZ Alkmaar, £5m
Ben Brereton Diaz – Villarreal, £6.5m
Rento Takaoka – Nissho Gakuen High School, undisclosed
Nathan Wood – Swansea, £3m
Adam Lallana – Brighton, free
Brook Myers – Charlton, free
Khiani Shombe – Lewisham Borough, free
Charlie Taylor – Burnley, free
Wellington – Sao Paulo, free (joining in January)
Juan – Sao Paulo, free (joining in January)
Kuryu Matsuki – FC Tokyo, undisclosed
Cameron Archer – Aston Villa, £15m
Lesley Ugochukwu – Chelsea, loan
Mateus Fernandes – Sporting, £12.8m
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