Southampton sack Adkins as Pochettino appointed
Premier League new boys Southampton have sacked manager Nigel Adkins, according to a report on their official website.
The club have moved swiftly in appointing the former Scunthorpe boss’ replacement, bringing in 40-year-old Mauricio Pochettino to the St. Mary’s hotseat. The former Espanyol coach, who has garnered a reputation as one of Europe’s top young coaches, will take charge of training at Saints on Saturday before leading his new side into their first match under his command on Monday, when they host Everton.
Southampton, who have only lost two of their last 12 Premier League games, made the move on Friday morning. Chairman Nicola Cortese said in a statement: “Whilst we acknowledge the contribution Nigel has made during the past two years, for the club to progress and achieve our long-term targets a change was needed.
"Mauricio is a well-respected coach of substantial quality who has gained a reputation as an astute tactician and excellent man manager. I have every confidence that he will inspire our talented squad of players to perform at the highest possible level.”
Adkins was in charge at St. Mary’s for two and a half years, leading the club to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. Solid recent results have seen Saints rise to occupy 15th place in the Premier League, three points clear of the bottom three.
Pochettino, who departed Espanyol in November, has long been touted for future roles at some of Spain’s top clubs, but the Argentinian has opted to continue his top flight career on the south coast.
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