Hasenhuttl signs new Southampton deal after inspirational turnaround

Ralph Hasenhuttl signed a new four-year contract with Southampton on Tuesday, months after a calamitous 9-0 loss to Leicester City left the Saints deep in the relegation zone.

Hasenhuttl said it was a "simple decision" to commit his future to the club. In the eight months following that devastating October defeat, the 52-year-old has led Southampton up to 14th place. They are now seven points clear of the relegation zone with nine matches remaining.

"From Day 1, Ralph has had a positive impact on the club, everyone within it, and our fans," club CEO Martin Semmens said in a statement. "He joined our club at a time when strong leadership was needed to drive the club forward. This he delivered, but it was the clarity of vision that has ultimately led us to this point."

Leicester scored five goals in the first half on that fateful night and eventually tied Manchester United's record for the largest margin of victory in the Premier League era.

Hasenhuttl ditched the three-man defense after that colossal embarrassment and installed a high-octane 4-2-2-2 formation to change the tempo. It worked, as Southampton scaled the standings and took revenge with a 2-1 win over Leicester in January.

"It is clear to me that Ralph believes in this club and is passionate about the project we have ahead of us," Semmens continued. "He understood who we are very quickly, and over the last six months has developed a vision for the club that we believe will lead us back to success on the pitch. A new philosophy on the pitch, but very much rooted in our values and history."