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 having sacked Russell Martin following last weekend’s 5-0 home thrashing by Tottenham.

They have won just one league game this season and accumulated 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 managed outside of Italy before having had spells at Mantova, Crotone, Genoa, Verona and Torino.

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

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

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