TalkSport football correspondent Alex Crook has claimed that Ralph Hasenhuttl has previously discussed retiring from the game.
Crook was speaking following Southampton’s decision to part company with the head coach on Monday morning.
The Austrian had been treading water for a number of weeks, with a 4-1 defeat at home to Newcastle United ultimately the final straw.
Hasenhuttl had been in charge at St Mary’s for almost four years, but after coming 11th in his first full season, the 55-year-old’s influence had waned.
When asked on the TalkSport GameDay podcast whether Hasenhuttl could be seen in the Premier League again, Crook said: “That’s a really interesting question, because when Aston Villa appointed Steven Gerrard, they were big admirers of Ralph Hasenhuttl.
“We know that some of the top clubs have also looked to Ralph Hasenhuttl in the not-too-distant past.
“So it’s a question of how much the last few months have damaged his reputation. Wouldn’t surprise me if he pitched up again, although he did talk to me about retiring a couple of years ago, and actually, since he started that retirement talk, Southampton’s form has fallen off a cliff.”
TIF Thoughts on Crook’s comments…
Do you think Hasenhuttl could get another PL role?Yes
No, he can't do it England!
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Indeed, Hasenhuttl told German media outlet Kicker (via talkSPORT) earlier this year that he was hoping to have the Saints on a ‘very healthy footing’ before his contract expired in 2024.
He admitted that he wanted to ‘experience’ other things and not be in the dugout until he was 74 like Roy Hodgson.
The former RB Leipzig manager has been on the sidelines since 2005 after hanging up the boots following a 15-year playing career.
Considering that amount of time in the game, the man once dubbed the ‘Klopp of the Alps’ may well call it a day, which could come as a surprise to many.