The manager has been at the club less than six months but could already be on his way.
Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino says he will quit the club if executive chairman Nicola Cortese follows up his threats and leaves the south coast.
The Italian businessman bought the Saints on behalf of investor Markus Liebherr in 2009 and has overseen back-to-back promotions, as the club rose from financial crisis in League One to Premier League security.
The sudden death of Liebherr in 2010 led to a trust being set up in the Swiss owner’s name.
Yet an apparent falling out between Cortese and the trust over his security at Southampton could see the chairman exiting St Mary’s and in that scenario Pochettino has made it clear he would follow the Italian.
“Of course not, because the person that has put his faith in me in this club and as a manager is Nicola Cortese,” the Argentinian said on Sky Sports when asked if he would stay if Cortese left.
“Behind the scenes in the club we’re a little bit worried about what has been said.
“Me on a personal sense, I would not understand a Southampton without Nicola being here.”
The former Argentina international took over at the Saints in January 2013 following the surprise sacking of fans’ favourite Nigel Adkins.
Yet the ex-Espanyol boss has since won over the St Mary’s faithful by confirming their top flight status for another season and recording impressive home wins over Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
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