Southampton have confirmed the appointment of Croatian coach Ivan Juric as their new manager, signing him to an 18-month deal. Juric replaces Russell Martin, who was dismissed following a crushing 5-0 defeat to Tottenham last weekend.
Juric’s Vision for Southampton
The 48-year-old Juric is eager to take on the challenge of steering the Saints out of the relegation zone.
“I’m very pleased. I think it’s a really big challenge, but I’m very optimistic because I saw a team that can do better,” Juric said.
Emphasizing his style of play, he added:
“I want an aggressive team, and I think that fans of Southampton will like that.”
However, Juric’s work permit is still pending, making it unlikely he will be in the dugout for Southampton’s upcoming match against Fulham.
Relegation Woes
Southampton sit at the bottom of the Premier League table with just five points from 16 games, nine points adrift of safety. The club hopes Juric’s appointment will bring the “grit and determination” needed to turn their season around.
| Southampton’s Premier League 2023/24 Stats |
|---|
| Position: 20th (Bottom) |
| Points: 5 |
| Games Played: 16 |
| Goal Difference: -28 |
Juric’s Recent Coaching Record
Juric joins Southampton following a brief stint at Roma, where he replaced Daniele De Rossi. However, his tenure lasted just 12 games before he was sacked earlier this season. Despite this setback, Southampton sees Juric as a coach capable of bringing a fresh approach to their struggling squad.
Next Steps
Juric’s appointment signals a pivotal moment for Southampton, who face a daunting task in climbing out of the relegation zone. The club and its fans will hope the Croatian can quickly implement his aggressive, fan-oriented style and inspire a turnaround in fortunes.
