Southampton have taken the first step in replacing the old coaching staff who recently left with the announcement they have appointed Ruben Selles as the lead coach to assist Ralph Hasenhuttl next season.
Ruben Selles is not a name that most will be able to recognise, born in Valencia, the 38 year old Spaniard 's career has taken him to Greece, Russia, Azerbaijan and Norway, as well as his native Spain, where he held roles coaching at youth level for Valencia and Villarreal.
He has spent most of his coaching career as an assistant manager or coach having spent last season in Denmark where last season he helped FC Copenhagen win their first league title in three years and qualify for the knockout stages of the UEFA Conference League as group winners.
Commenting on his appointment he had this to say
"It’s exciting for me to work in one of the top teams in the Premier League.
"To work in the best league in the world in an amazing environment in Southampton, with the crowd in St Mary’s, with a big manager like Ralph, with a lot of good players, and to have in front of you the best teams and the best players in the world, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Selles has regularly worked as an assistant manager, most recently in Denmark, where last season he helped FC Copenhagen win their first league title in three years and qualify for the knockout stages of the UEFA Conference League as group winners.
The club had this to say in their official announcement.
Southampton Football Club is pleased to announce it has appointed Rubén Sellés as First Team Lead Coach, subject to work visa clearance.
The 38-year-old Spaniard joins manager Ralph Hasenhüttl’s staff having built up a wealth of experience across Europe despite his relative youth in the coaching world.
Sellés will support Hasenhüttl on all coaching matters, including individual player development and unit and team coaching, as well as key preparation for training sessions and matches.
Born in Valencia, his career has taken him to Greece, Russia, Azerbaijan and Norway, as well as his native Spain, where he held roles coaching at youth level for Valencia and Villarreal.
Sellés has regularly worked as an assistant manager, most recently in Denmark, where last season he helped FC Copenhagen win their first league title in three years and qualify for the knockout stages of the UEFA Conference League as group winners.
An ambitious, talented coach, he has a master's degree in sports and physiology from the University of Valencia and undertook his UEFA Pro Licence at the age of 25.