Southampton confirm Juric as new boss

Southampton have confirmed the appointment of Ivan Jurić as the club’s new manager on an 18-month contract.

Saints are rooted to the foot of the table after sacking Russell Martin following last weekend’s 5-0 home thrashing of Tottenham.

They have won just one league game this season and have collected five points from a possible 48.

Welcome to Southampton, Ivan Jurić 😇

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 21, 2024

Juric was available after being sacked by Roma earlier this season. The Croatian has never headed outside of Italy before having spells at Mantova, Crotone, Genoa, Verona and Turin.

He told Southampton’s official website: “I’m very happy. I think it’s a very big challenge but I’m very optimistic because I saw a team that can do better.

“It’s important to connect with the fans immediately. I want an aggressive team and I think the Southampton fans will like that.”

Juric is still awaiting final approval for the building permit and the club did not say whether he would be in charge of tomorrow’s game at Fulham.