Southampton’s next manager could come from Ligue 1 | OneFootball

Will Still Linked with Southampton as Saints Plot Fresh Start

South Coast Club Eyes Rising Managerial Talent

Southampton’s search for a new manager is underway once more, and this time it’s Will Still who finds himself in the frame. As reported by TalkSport, the 32-year-old is firmly on the radar of Saints technical director Johannes Spors following the dismissal of Ivan Juric earlier this week.

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Still, who currently manages Lens in France, is one of the most promising young coaches in European football. His path to prominence has been anything but conventional. Born in Belgium to English parents and inspired by the Championship Manager video game, Still has carved out a reputation as a forward-thinking tactician with a fearless approach.

He’s impressed in Ligue 1 this season, guiding Lens to ninth place in the table, despite the club undergoing significant transition after selling key players.

Juric Exit Marks Another False Start

Juric’s time on the south coast was painfully short and ultimately fruitless. Appointed in December after a spell with Roma, the Croatian lasted just 107 days. In that time, Southampton played 16 matches, won two, and lost a staggering 13. His dismissal came in the wake of a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham which confirmed the Saints’ relegation with seven games remaining.

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That result now hands Southampton an unwanted piece of Premier League history — the earliest confirmed relegation since the league’s inception. It was a collapse as rapid as it was ruthless.

Juric’s post-match comments offered little clarity:“No, now we will see everything. We are thinking just about the games now. We will see now what everyone thinks, what I think. The fans deserve much more and we have to understand all of the mistakes we have made and then create something really strong.”

It was a diplomatic exit, but the writing had long been on the wall.

Still’s Stock on the Rise

Still’s decision to reject Sunderland in favour of a move to France appears justified. His tenure at Stade Reims offered a glimpse of his sharp tactical nous, and his impact at Lens has further burnished his credentials. His age might raise eyebrows in some quarters, but his leadership has already turned heads across Europe.

With interest from clubs in Germany for Danny Rohl — another name on Southampton’s shortlist — the Saints may feel the time is right to act decisively. Still’s profile fits the bill: progressive, unafraid, and available.

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Southampton’s Future Hinges on Stability

Relegation brings with it the need for more than a fresh face — it demands a clear identity and stability. Still’s youthful energy and experience in high-pressure situations could bring that. He may be untested in the English pyramid, but his pedigree suggests he’s ready.

Southampton’s supporters have endured a torrid campaign. If the board get this appointment right, the bounce-back could begin sooner than expected.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

After a disastrous campaign, capped off by becoming the earliest team ever relegated in Premier League history, Southampton need someone who doesn’t just want the job — but has something to prove. Will Still is that guy.

This isn’t a gamble. It’s a calculated risk — and one they should embrace. His work with Lens, particularly after losing key players, shows he can adapt and rebuild. That’s exactly what the Saints need. Not just tactics and systems, but belief.

Still brings modern thinking and no baggage. His roots in English football — albeit through an unconventional route — make him relatable. He knows what the club means to its fans. And with someone like Johannes Spors pulling the strings, you get the feeling this could be the start of something exciting.