Will Still Breaks Silence on Southampton Sacking: “I Didn’t Do Well Enough”
Will Still has spoken publicly for the first time since being dismissed by Southampton, admitting he “didn’t do well enough” during his short and turbulent spell in charge at St Mary’s.
The 33-year-old, who was appointed in the summer with the task of guiding the Saints straight back to the Premier League, lasted just over three months in the job before being relieved of his duties. His tenure came to an end following a 2-0 home defeat to Preston North End last weekend — a result that left the club hovering just outside the Championship relegation zone in 21st place.
Still’s arrival had initially been met with optimism. After a chaotic 2024–25 campaign that saw three different managers fail to steady the ship, Southampton’s hierarchy turned to the young coach, whose impressive spells at Stade Reims and RC Lens in France had made him one of Europe’s most talked-about young managers. The hope was that Still’s progressive style and energy could restore stability and push the team toward promotion contention.
However, things quickly unravelled. Despite opening the season with a dramatic victory over Wrexham at St Mary’s, Southampton managed just one win in their next 12 matches. The team frequently struggled to impose themselves in games, often looking fragile when setbacks occurred.
While Still’s side could point to misfortune — with underlying metrics showing they significantly underperformed their expected goals (xG) — results ultimately told a different story. A lack of defensive organisation and inconsistency in front of goal left the Saints languishing near the bottom of the table, far from their pre-season ambitions.
Speaking to Joueurs Belges after his dismissal, Still reflected candidly on the experience and accepted responsibility for the team’s struggles.
“I’m taking it well. It’s the first time I’ve been fired, so it’s new to me,” he said.
“I didn’t do well enough, I know that’s how it works in the world of football — and you pay the price quickly.”
Still’s admission marks the first time he has publicly addressed his departure from Southampton. His honest assessment stands in contrast to some managers who have left clubs under similar circumstances, with the Belgian-born coach appearing eager to learn from the setback.
Adding to the sting of his exit, interim boss Tonda Eckert has since guided the Saints to two consecutive wins — against Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday — lifting the team to 17th place and easing immediate relegation concerns. Both matches featured moments of good fortune, including goals from Jay Robinson and Caspar Jander, but they underscored the fine margins that defined Still’s time in charge.
Still’s managerial reputation remains largely intact thanks to his earlier success in France, where he helped Reims punch above their weight in Ligue 1 with an attractive and disciplined approach. His move back to England was largely motivated by family reasons, and while his first job in the English game ended prematurely, he is unlikely to be short of offers.
The 33-year-old’s openness and self-awareness could serve him well in the long term, as clubs across Europe continue to value his tactical insight and modern outlook. Whether he opts to rebuild his career abroad or seeks another opportunity in British football remains to be seen, but Still’s first major setback may yet prove to be a valuable learning experience.
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