Southampton rent supervisor Ivan Juric who desires ‘aggressive crew’ after firing Russell Martin
Southampton have confirmed they have appointed a new manager after sacking former boss Russell Martin.
On Sunday, the Saints were resoundingly beaten 5-0 by Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s, a result which left Southampton rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.
After the game, Southampton fired Martin, 38, with the club having won just once in the Premier League this season. And now they have found his successor, in the form of Croatian boss Ivan Juric.
In a statement, Southampton said they were delighted to confirm the 49-year-old ex-Croatian international as the club’s new first team manager, “subject to final work permit approval”.
Southampton said: “Despite the club’s current position in the Premier League, 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.
(Image: Paolo Pizzi/Getty Images)
“Juric, a former Croatia international as a player, arrives at Saints on an 18-month contract with a reputation for helping his teams punch above their weight.
“The 49-year-old’s coaching career to date has been spent in Italy, most recently with European giants Roma, but with notable success across spells in charge of Mantova, Crotone, Genoa, Hellas Verona and Torino.”
Juric, who has managed Genoa on three occasions and achieved moderate success on tight budgets at Hellas Verona and Torino, was appointed as Roma manager in September.
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But he was sacked in November after less than two months at the helm, having been regularly criticised for his management style and poor results, with the side battling relegation in Serie A.
Speaking after signing his contract at Southampton, Juric said: “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.
“It’s important to immediately be connected with the fans. I want an aggressive team and I think that fans of Southampton will like that.”
