Football: LOSE TO CELTS AND YOU'RE FINISHED; EXCLUSIVE Sauzee Hibs sack threat.
Byline: IAIN CAMPBELLHIBS manager Franck Sauzee will be sacked if his side lose at home to Celtic on Saturday.
The Frenchman is already under serious pressure after a disastrous start to his managerial career. Hibs have not won any of their eight league games since he took over on December 14 and the directors are now deeply concerned about the club's future.
Mirror Sport understands Sauzee was given the stark ultimatum following last Saturday's 4-1 Cup defeat by Rangers - now managed by ex-Hibs boss Alex McLeish.
The Hibees have endured a miserable run since the former Marseilles defender took over but he remains a massive favourite with the support.
The news that he may be leaving Easter Road will come
as a serious body blow to the fans who hailed him after McLeish's departure.
Sauzee was a magnificent servant to the club as a player, but has failed to successfully replace himself in the Hibs defence.
The Frenchman remains on a high salary and that, combined with the string of poor results, has persuaded the boardroom that their move is not working out. Sauzee is wanted as coach by a number of French clubs but is determined to succeed in his first management role with a club he has grown to love.
But that ambition will be wrecked if Celtic - who have only failed to win two league matches this season - take the three points on Saturday.
Mirror Sport also understands that disgruntled players have gone to Hibs directors and complained about Sauzee's performance as manager.
The new boss had a serious blast at his players after last week's 4-3 defeat at Aberdeen, questioning their self esteem and their attitude.
That outburst did nothing to strengthen the Frenchman's position in the changing room and contributed to the board's perception that even this early the appointment is not working.
But Sauzee faces enormous problems in Saturday's make-or-break clash because Hibs will face Celtic with nine first team players missing through injury and suspension. Easter Road fans will be astonished that their manager's future will be decided in such troubled circumstances.
The side had already gone seven league matches without a win under McLeish when he took over last month.
Next week's CIS Cup semi-final with Ayr is the only route to success this season, but Sauzee won't even be given that chance if Celtic win on Saturday.
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UNDER PRESSURE: Franck Sauzee
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
|---|---|
| Publication: | The Mirror (London, England) |
| Date: | Jan 30, 2002 |
| Words: | 403 |
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