Southampton agree deal for Juric to become new head coach | OneFootball

Southampton have agreed a deal with Ivan Juric to become their new manager.

Juric has agreed terms on an initial 18-month deal and will be appointed as Russell Martin’s successor, subject to visa approval. The Croatian will fly into the UK on Friday to finalise his move to the Premier League.

Southampton have turned to Juric after a torrid return to the top flight this season. The Saints are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and have won once in 16 games. Last weekend’s 5-0 defeat to Spurs at home – in which Southampton conceded five goals before half-time – leaves the club nine points from safety.

Juric has a reputation for high-intensity football and a man-marking system that has helped Hellas Verona and Torino to several top-half finishes in Serie A during his time in Italy. He will be tasked with solidifying a Southampton team with the second-worst defensive record in the division.

The 49-year-old, who has cited Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini as a mentor, arrives after a disastrous short stint at AS Roma. Appointed as Daniele De Rossi’s successor in September, he was sacked less than two months later as the capital club struggled for results.

According to The Athletic, Juric has been a long-standing target for the Saints and made the final two in the running to take the role in December 2022. He missed out to Nathan Jones on that occasion.

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