Saints are backing manager Ralph Hasenhuttl to turn things around despite reports the club are preparing to sack him.

The Daily Echo understands that the club plan to stick by their Austrian boss in the wake of the record 9-0 loss to Leicester at St Mary’s contrary to press reports speculating that he will soon be dismissed.

Saints are keen for stability and feel that appointing a fifth manager in little more than two years is not the way to achieve it.

Instead, Hasenhuttl will be given the chance to pick up the team and try and revive them ahead of a double header at Manchester City.