Ivan Juric has more belief than Russell Martin in troubled Southampton star | OneFootball

Ivan Juric thinks that Armel Bella-Kotchap should be given a chance to prove himself at Southampton. This is more than Russell Martin did.

Ivan Juric might not have changed things around at Southampton in terms of results but he has done so in terms of belief. When he was unveiled as the new head coach, Juric made some promising claims and his ambition sat well with the Southampton fans.

Now, the only thing to do is to transfer that optimism onto the pitch, which would see the Southampton players turn the club's fortuned around - If it isn't already too late.

Ivan Juric has more belief than Russell Martin in troubled Southampton star

According to a report from the Daily Echo, Ivan Juric has spoken about the future of Armel Bella-Kotchap and has revealed he will have his chance at Southampton, if he wants to take it.

Juric also spoke about being familiar with Bella-Kotchap, even before the Croatian manager took on the Southampton job. He was impressed with his performances a few years ago and he still hasn't lost that belief in the player who is now under his wing.

In his own words, Juric said about Bella-Kotchap being handed a Saints opportunity: "It depends on him. I saw him playing two years ago and he was incredible for me. He started to play in the national team, the German national team. He had potential. Now it's about him. I said to him to work really hard, really, really hard."

Concluding, Juric said: ""We will see in a few weeks if he will be ready. I think Southampton needed him and we have to give him a chance. Now it's only on him. He wants it really."

In football, it is never too late. This is THE sport for comebacks and redemption arcs. Therefore, if Bella-Kotchap takes this chance afforded to him by the managerial switch and makes the most of it, everybody would benefit.

There are many conspiracy theories about why Martin and Bella-Kotchap didn't see eye to eye in the end. The truth is that only both parties know the reason and there might be a different reason for either side.

Anyway, that is in the past. Juric is the Southampton manager now and he comes across as a stern yet fair manager. Therefore, this might be exactly what Armel Bella-Kotchap needs to make it at St Marys Stadium between now and the end of the season.