Southampton have confirmed the appointment of Ivan Juric as the club’s new manager, following the sacking of Russell Martin. The Croatian coach has signed an 18-month contract with the Premier League side, tasked with leading the team to safety in the second half of the season.
Martin’s dismissal came after a heavy 5-0 defeat to Tottenham on December 15, which left Southampton languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table with just one win in 17 matches. In the wake of his departure, Juric has been brought in to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Juric, who most recently had a brief tenure at Roma, replaces Martin in a high-stakes role. During his stint at Roma, Juric managed just four wins in 12 games, following a mid-season appointment after the sacking of Daniele De Rossi. Prior to that, Juric had a successful spell at Torino, where he guided the club to consecutive mid-table finishes in Serie A.
In a statement, Southampton expressed confidence in Juric’s ability to help the team avoid relegation, despite their current position. “We remain focused on fighting for survival this season and believe this appointment will provide us with the grit and determination needed to improve results on the pitch,” the club said.
Juric, a former Croatia international, is known for his aggressive, pressing style of play. He has already outlined his intentions to bring more energy and intensity to the team. His first challenge will be Southampton’s upcoming Premier League match against Fulham on December 22.
The club hopes Juric’s leadership will spark an incredible comeback, helping Southampton secure the points needed to stay in the Premier League for next season.
