Next Southampton manager: Former Roma boss Rudi Garcia snubs chance to replace Ronald Koeman at St Mary’s
Reports in France suggest former Roma manager has turned down an approach from the South Coast club as he wants to manage in the Champions League
RUDI GARCIA has rejected an offer to discuss the possibility of becoming the next Southampton manager, according to reports in France.
The former Roma manager was sacked by the Serie A club in January but has snubbed the South Coast club, according to L'Equipe.
The 52-year-old, who led Lille to the French double in 2011, wants to manage a club in the Champions League.
Garcia had been a top target for the Saints after the shock exit of Ronald Koeman to Everton earlier this month.
Despite finishing in sixth, 13 points above the Toffees, the Dutchman moved to Goodison Park after just two years in charge at St Mary's.
Southampton are facing another summer of uncertainty as key players are again linked with the exit.
Having lost the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren in recent summers, current stars Victor Wanyama, Sadio Mane and Shane Long could also leave this summer.
Garcia had been among the bookies' favourites to take over at St Mary's.
He had been sacked in January - following two successive second-placed finishes in Serie A Garcia was sacked after a run of one win in seven that had the team in fifth place.
Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini remains the favourite to take over but former former Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga, as The Sun revealed on Monday morning, former Nice boss Claude Puel and ex-Ajax manager Frank de Boer are also linked.