Soccer Football - FA Cup Third Round - Crystal Palace v Southampton - Selhurst Park, London, Britain - January 7, 2023 Southampton manager Nathan Jones with assistant coach Ruben Selles react Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Southampton chiefs have internally discussed the possibility of appointing interim coach Ruben Selles as manager, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Saints sack Jones…
Under-fire former manager Nathan Jones was dismissed earlier this week after a run of poor results and bizarre post-match rants to the English press.
Southampton were thought to have found a swift replacement in ex-Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch but talks soon broke down over contract length – putting the south coast side back to square one in their pursuit of a new head coach.
Reports have claimed that Selles is set to take interim charge of Southampton’s game against Chelsea this weekend, but according to The Daily Mail, Sport Republic are also considering his managerial appointment.
The Latest: Southampton discuss Selles appointment…
It is believed that Saints chiefs behind-the-scenes have ‘already discussed the idea’ of Selles ‘being in charge’ accompanied by a more experienced coach.
Sources within the club apparently do not discount the 39-year-old taking full managerial reign, even on a short term basis, and there is a prospect he could do well enough to put himself in contention for the role full time.
Selles is now a ‘genuine possibility’ and could have the chance to ‘enhance his claims’ as he prepares his team for Chelsea.
The Verdict: Good candidate?
The Spaniard already has experience in the dug-out and overseeing the first team – having taken charge in-between Ralph Hasenhuttl’s dismissal and Jones’ appointment.
Selles is more-than familiar with the club, working under both Hasenhuttl and Jones, with it believed he is also highly regarded by players.
While he has never managed a top flight game, the coach’s reputation at Southampton is a good one, as members of the squad were ‘quickly impressed‘ by Selles upon his arrival on the south coast.
He’s also worked as a coach at ten different clubs, speaks four languages and has been described as an ‘ambitious’ coach by journalist Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic.
Selles’ lack of senior managerial experience is an interesting caveat but every aspiring Premier League boss must start somewhere.
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