Following the fall of Serbian Slavisa Jokanovic who was released from Fulham earlier today, it’s no surprise that Mark Hughes is one of the new favourites to sacked prematurely by his club.
Southampton find themselves currently sat in 17th place, marginally above Cardiff City on goal difference, playing some of the least attractive football we’ve ever had the misfortune of witnessing.
The defenders may as well be replaced with mannequins – having leaked 21 goals already, the midfielders have lost all of their creative spark, and the forward efforts don’t warrant comment.
Indeed, at least football fans get to see some goals on matchday – even if they are in their own net.
Hughes may not be solely to blame for Southampton’s fall into obscurity, as the club have had a host of unsuccessful managers since the glory days of Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman; however, he certainly hasn’t helped it from happening with his brand of sleep-inducing football.
It’s time to take a gamble and shake things up at Southampton. And, since Jokanovic is now free, it may be worth taking a punt on the ex-Fulham manager to do this.
Here are two reasons we believe he could be the man for the job…
Style of football
The season so far hasn’t been a fair reflection of Jokanovic’s style.
Fulham played some of the finest attacking football in the Championship last season leading up to their promotion, and it hasn’t quite shown in the Premier League.
Whether this was because the manager naively made too many signings this summer, we don’t know – but it’s very clear that the team haven’t managed to gel quick enough to adapt.
Southampton haven’t made the same mistake in their own transfer window. And having been renowned for their attractive style football until recently, there’s enough of a foundation there for Jokanovic to successfully work with.
Planning for the future
If Southampton continue the way they’re going at the moment, there’s absolutely no doubt that they’ll be in the Championship come the start of next season.
The second tier of English football brings with a different set of challenges – tasks that require an experienced mind, and someone who can overcome the trials and tribulations of a 46+ game season. Which is why you find the same managers doing the rounds as clubs try desperately to rescue themselves from the league. Your Neil Warnock’s, Steve McClaren’s, and Steve Bruce’s of the world, for example.
Jokanovic is another one of these faces. Having already secured promotion with Watford and Fulham, the club would be justified in having every faith in the Serbian to secure them bounce back promotion.
