PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Mario Lemina - Gabon star's Southampton part ways with manager

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Mar 13, 2018. 16:00

English side Southampton FC announced that they have parted ways with their manager Mauricio Pellegrino on Monday night.

The Argentine tactician signed Lemina from Italian giants Juventus at the beginning of the current campaign.

Lemina joined Southampton on a long-term deal for a club record fee of £15.4 million. The combative midfielder made his debut in a 3–2 victory over West Ham United last August.

The Saints struggled under Pellegrino's guidance and they are now just a place above the relegation zone on the English Premier League standings.

The club has since released the following statement following the team's 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday.

A club statement read: “Southampton Football Club can today confirm that it has parted company with First Team Manager Mauricio Pellegrino.

“Assistant Manager Carlos Compagnucci and Assistant First Team Coach Xavier Tamarit have also parted company with the club.”

“We would like to place on record our thanks to Mauricio, Carlos and Xavier for their efforts during their time with Southampton, and wish them well for the future.”

“The club will look to appoint a new management team as soon as possible, with the search for a replacement already underway.”

Lemina made 22 appearances in the league for the Saints under Pellegrino - netting once in the process.