The Saints confirmed the widely expected news on Saturday evening, announcing Ivan Juric as Russell Martin’s replacement shortly after 5 pm.
Southampton Football Club released the following statement:
“Southampton Football Club is delighted to confirm Ivan Jurić as its new Men’s First Team Manager, subject to final work permit approval.
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.
Jurić, a former Croatia international, joins Saints on an 18-month contract, bringing a reputation for helping teams exceed expectations.
‘I want us to be more aggressive, to do much more pressing, and we have to be quick to change mentality because this is my idea of football,’ said Ivan Jurić, Men’s First Team Manager.”
The 49-year-old began his coaching career in Italy, managing teams like Mantova, Crotone, Genoa, Hellas Verona, Torino, and most recently Roma.
After signing his contract, Jurić expressed his optimism:
“I’m very pleased. This is a big challenge, but I’m optimistic because I see a team capable of doing better. It’s important to connect with the fans immediately. I want an aggressive team, and I think Southampton supporters will appreciate that.”
While some fans had hoped for a manager with prior Premier League experience, history shows that such a background is no guarantee of success at Southampton. In the past 70 years, only nine of the Saints’ 31 managers arrived with English top-flight experience, and their tenures had varied outcomes.
Southampton has traditionally sought “young and hungry” managers with something to prove, a category that fits Ivan Jurić well.
Regardless of differing opinions on the appointment, Juric is now at the helm, and the focus must be on supporting him to turn things around. With the team struggling this season, even small improvements would be a step forward. Whether those improvements will be enough to avoid relegation remains to be seen.
Welcome, Ivan Jurić, and good luck!
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