Southampton: Return of 'Le God'

[fmliverpool]

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Pochettino announces Southampton resignation

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Mauricio Pochettino has today announced that he will step down as Southampton manager, following reports of a falling out with the chairman. It is said that the board refused to back his ambitious transfer policy that targeted moves for Javier Pastore, Diego Costa and Aaron Lennon. The former manager has been outspoken about his desires to get Champions League football in recent weeks, and his resignation will come as a blow, after a successful first half-season saw him guide the Saints to safety with wins over Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. It is unclear what Pochettino will do now, but he will surely be highly sought after as one of the best young managers in world football.

The bookies favourite for the job at the moment is Roberto Di Matteo, who is interested in getting back into football after his unfortunate sacking from Chelsea last season. Steve Clarke is also in the running for the job, while Fabio Capello is among the surprise candidates.

Odds

R. Di Matteo 2/1
S. Clarke 4/1
F. Capello 4/1
H. Redknapp 5/1
U. Rosler 5/1
G. Neville 7/1
R. Keane 9/1
M. Jol 10/1

Selected others

A. Villas-Boas 20/1
U. Emery 20/1
M. Le Tissier 50/1

 

[fmliverpool]

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Le Tissier: I would love Southampton job

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In a Sky Sports exclusive interview, Le Tissier told us that he would love to get into managing, and the chance to take charge of his favourite club would be irresistible. This interview came hours after Capello rejected Cortese's offer, and Di Matteo and Clarke ruled themselves out of a quick return to the Premier League. Le Tissier indicated that he had not been approached to take the job, but his odds have been slashed dramatically after he was spotted meeting with club representatives, although it is unclear whether this was about the vacant hotseat, or a role in some other capacity.

Soccer Saturday colleague Paul Merson backed the man nicknamed 'Le God' by the Southampton faithful, stating that his football knowledge is second to none. 'It's incredible, he just knows so much about the game. He puts us all to shame each week and Cortese should definitely consider giving him a call.' If Le Tissier is given the job, he will surely get the fans backing, but some hold reservations over the fact he has never managed before.

 

[fmliverpool]

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Le Tissier appointed as Southampton manager

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Shortly after the former Southampton player announced his resignation from the Soccer Saturday panel, the club issued a statement confirming Le Tissier had agreed a one-month deal to take over from Pochettino at St Mary's Stadium. Le Tissier, who scored 161 goals in 443 games for the Saints, has expressed his delight at taking over in a short press conference, where he also shed some light on the future of some of his stars.

'There's been a lot of interest from Lallana and Shaw from top, top clubs, but we will sit down in the next couple of days and hopefully they will agree to stay, because there's something exciting going on here. We have some top players here, and with the right additions, we could be competing for Europe sooner rather than later.'

In terms of new signings, Le Tissier admitted the club didn't have much left over from the purchases of Wanyama, Lovren and Osvaldo, who has subsequently been loaned out to Juventus. 'It's unfortunate, especially as Osvaldo let the side down so badly with his actions. ?15 million wasted there, and it's unlikely for us to get it back until January. There are some exciting loan deals we're looking at, and if the right player becomes available, I'm sure the board and I will be able to work something out.'

Le Tissier's first game will come away to German 2nd division side Karlshurer SC, but in the league, Southampton have been dealt a tough start to the season, with home games against Chelsea and Arsenal, and a trip to Anfield making up the first three games. 'Obviously we'd prefer an easier start to the season, but these boys know they can beat the top guys, and it could prove to be an opportunity to make an early statement.'

 

[minergy]

Looks good, I will follow.


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[fmliverpool]

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Le Tissier makes first signing

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The club confirmed today that Southampton had reached an agreement to sign Norwich's 27 year old centre-back Sebastien Bassong for a fee of ?5.25 million. The club had already signed Dejan Lovren to reinforce the defence, and the highly rated Norwich player is expected to partner the former Lyon defender next season. Le Tissier said he was delighted to secure the defender, who had proved his abilities last season, guiding the Canaries to an 11th place finish. Bassong will be expected to make his debut at home to SC Bastia, and will hope to make an immediate impact. Questionable defending in the pre-season matches in Germany and Slovakia have undermined fantastic attacking performances in the 3-3 draw to Karlshrue and the 2-1 win to Trencin.

Le Tissier also confirmed the club has rejected an ?8.1 million bid for Morgan Schneiderlin from Borussia Dortmund. 'It's great that Morgan is finally getting the recognition he deserves, but he's crucial to the team, and it'll take a much larger sum for us to allow him the leave the club.' As for Fabio Quaglierella, who was rumoured to be joining the club on loan, the manager stated that an agreement was unlikely. 'Quaglierella has made it clear he wants to fight for his place in the team, and we wish him the best of luck, I'm sure he'll get plenty of game time up against Llorente, Tevez, Vucinic and Giovinco.' he wryly added.