With Everton announcing the arrival of Ronald Koeman as their new manager following Roberto Martinez’s sacking, Southampton are on the lookout for someone to replace the Dutchman. Ronald Koeman took over the Southampton hot-seat following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino to Spurs back in 2014. He was able to build a strong squad despite the departures of many Southampton first team members like Luke Shaw, Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana. Southampton have displayed some strong showings in the Premier League and Koeman was lauded by many for being able to keep the ship steady. He also handed debuts to players from the famed St.Mary’s academy and kept the tradition of breeding players from the academy to play in the league.
The Saints will be thankful to Koeman who continued and built upon the good work done by Pochettino. Southampton managed some impressive wins under Koeman with the likes of Graziano Pellè, Sadio Mané and Victor Wanyama. Koeman’s calm and effective style of football rubbed off well and many youngsters too, got to play under him. With Southampton finishing 7th and 6th under Koeman, it suffices to say that he was a success at the club. His management will be missed down at St. Mary’s and Everton have gotten themselves an astute tactician with a flair for good football.
Now to take a look at the men who could be managing at St.Mary’s next season:
#1: Eddie Howe:
An easy guess as to why current Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is the bookies’ favourite to take up the job. Managing Bournemouth in the Premier League after promotion is no simple task. This, in addition to injuries to players such as Max Gradel, Tyrone Mings and Callum Wilson would have put a club in a lot of trouble. However, Howe was able to foster the Bournemouth squad with his friendly attitude and brotherhood spirit and made sure that they stayed in the league for another season. Bournemouth also had impressive results against the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in the league.
Manager – Club Match Rating: 3.5/5.
Howe is young, understands the importance of a well-gelled unit and Southampton seems like the perfect fit for someone like him to go to the next level in terms of management. With Southampton placing their trust in young managers such as Ronald Koeman and Mauricio Pochettino in the past, Howe could be a serious contender for the job. He will also be able to endear himself to the Southampton faithful by playing an attacking style of football.
Rumour rating: 4/5
As mentioned, Eddie Howe is the bookies’ favourite for the job and only time will tell whether he gets hired. Southampton will probably prefer a manager with prior Premier League experience.
#2: Frank De Boer:
Could he be Ronald Koeman 2.0? Frank De Boer could follow in the footsteps of ex-teammate Koeman and lead Southampton come the new Premier League season. His hiring would be exciting owing to his outstanding record with Ajax over the past few years. With rumours of other giant clubs in the offing for De Boer, he could just spring a surprise by signing for Southampton. The club will be seriously considering De Boer at least owing to the success they had with Koeman and with the Europa League coming to St. Mary’s next season, it could prove enough for Southampton to get their man.
Manager – Club match rating: 4/5.
He guided Ajax to four league titles in four years and would certainly be looking for a change and Southampton offers him the perfect platform. With both Ajax and Southampton famed for having a wonderful youth system, De Boer is also a proven winner and he could improve Southampton’s chances in tournaments and improve their squad. De Boer has a winning percentage of around 60% and this will bode well for supporters if he is to join the club.
Rumour Rating: 2.5/5
De Boer might just as well choose to stay at Holland and build upon the legacy he has created there, or be tempted by other bigger clubs. Southampton too will be keeping their options open and look at other options before taking a final call.
#3: David Moyes:
A story that would steal the headlines, considering he is replacing the man who takes over his previous job at Everton. However, football does not run on headlines alone and David Moyes is seen as a neutral favourite to take up the Southampton job. Following his unsuccessful stint at Manchester United, David Moyes moved to Real Sociedad in Spain and was subsequently sacked after poor performances. Moyes however, is best known for his legacy during his decade-long stint at Everton and he will be looking forward to working in the Premier League again.
Manager – Club match rating: 3/5
For his wealth of knowledge in the Premier League alone, Moyes could be hired as the next coach of Southampton. However, chances seem less owing to the fact that he has had a couple of dismal years with United and in Spain in Sociedad. Moyes is seen as the manager who will be able to shepherd the club to a good mid-table position and lays emphasis on defensive football. He also has a good record with giving youth a chance and Southampton might consider him as an outside option for the job.
Rumour rating: 2/5
Right now, Southampton are still in the process of waiting for the Koeman departure to settle down before they move on ahead with selecting the next man. Moyes has been a little low-key following his departure and both parties will be in no hurry to make sure a deal is struck out.
#4 Manuel Pellegrini:
Pellegrini might just stay in the Premier League if one goes by the rumour mills. With Southampton on the lookout for a new manager, Pellegrini might just be the man for them. The man has managed at the top level and could just be what Southampton require to ascend to the next level in terms of trophies. With Pellegrini having an affable personality to go along with his attacking tactics, Southampton could get themselves an excellent deal with the Chilean.
Manager – Club match rating: 3.5/5:
Manuel Pellegrini managed Málaga CF in the La Liga to an outstanding fourth position back in 2012 and he could just raise the ambitions of the Saints if he moves there. He is a serial winner and knows how to get the maximum from his squad and his trophy-laden career is a testament to that. He has experience in the Premier League too, with three trophies won from his time at Manchester City. Pellegrini is an excellent option and Southampton should consider themselves lucky if they are able to clamp down on a man who managed Real Madrid at one point.
Rumour rating: 3/5:
Manuel Pellegrini just left Manchester City with Pep Guardiola taking over and he might want to prove a point back to City. By staying in the Premier League, Pellegrini could capitalise on the fact that Southampton have a strong youth system and good squad depth. This, in addition to Europa League nights next season could just prove to be the news that fans are waiting to hear.
#5 Andre Villas-Boas
Fresh from a successful stint at Zenit-St.Petersburg in Russia, Andre Villas-Boas might just consider Southampton to be his next target owing to his desire to prove a point in the Premier League. Following campaigns at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, AVB was sacked from both clubs and could find his way back next season. He might not fit Southampton’s manager criteria entirely, but he might just be considered.
Manager- Club match rating: 2/5
Southampton are a club who play football on the deck and pleasing to the eye. Villas-Boas prefers his team to sit back and his approach to the game is generally pragmatic. Fans might not be the most thrilled bunch if he moves there, but consistent results could sway their opinion. Southampton will also be hopeful that Villas-Boas attracts quality players if he does move there, especially since they are in the Europa League.
Rumour rating: 1.5/5:
Villas-Boas back in the Premier League is not a sight a lot of Blues and Spurs fans would enjoy and Southampton too will be looking at options they deem are better. If nothing else works out, AVB might just find his way back into the Premier League, managing the team from the coast. However, there is still a lot of time left for the next season to start and the race for the next manager might just find a new candidate.
