Southampton Football Club has appointed Ivan Juric as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Russell Martin.
The decision comes after a string of disappointing performances that left the club languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Russell Martin, who had successfully led Southampton back to the Premier League with a Championship play-off final victory against Leeds United in May, was relieved of his duties after a crushing 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
This loss extended the Saints' winless streak to six matches, prompting the club's hierarchy to make a decisive change.
Ivan Juric, the former AS Roma manager, has agreed to take the helm at Southampton. His appointment is seen as a strategic move by the club's ownership group, Sport Republic, which is led by Dragan Solak, Henrik Kraft, and Rasmus Ankersen.
Juric, who was sacked by Roma last month after just 12 matches due to poor results, was previously on Southampton's shortlist to replace Ralph Hasenhüttl two years ago.
The Croatian manager, known for his impressive tenure at Torino, where he spent three years, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the struggling team. "Juric was pinpointed as a leading candidate," sources close to the club revealed, highlighting his appeal as an out-of-work manager, which allowed Southampton to avoid paying compensation fees.
Despite his recent challenges in Italy, Juric's passion for football and his unique style have made him a sought-after figure in European football circles. He is also known for his love of heavy metal music, often citing bands like Metallica and Slayer as personal favorites.
As Southampton prepares for their upcoming match against Fulham, it remains uncertain whether Juric will be in charge by then. In the interim, Simon Rusk, the Under-21s manager, will oversee the team's preparations.
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