Southampton Sack Manager Ivan Juric Following Premier League Relegation
Southampton Football Club has confirmed the sacking of manager Ivan Juric following their relegation from the Premier League. The announcement was made on Monday, just a day after the team suffered a crushing 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, sealing their drop to the Championship.
This relegation came in record time, with Southampton’s demotion confirmed with seven matches still to play—setting an unwanted Premier League record. Juric, who took over in December after Russell Martin’s departure, struggled to turn the team’s fortunes around. Despite taking charge during a turbulent period, the 49-year-old manager managed only one victory in the league, a 1-0 win at Ipswich in February.
Southampton’s performance this season has been dismal, with the team losing 25 of their 31 top-flight matches. Their fate was sealed with the loss to Tottenham, giving them the worst relegation timing in Premier League history, surpassing Derby and Huddersfield’s previous records in 2008 and 2019, respectively.
A club statement expressed regret over Juric’s departure, acknowledging his efforts in a difficult situation. “Ivan came to Southampton at a tough time and was tasked with trying to improve a squad in a difficult situation,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, we haven’t seen performances progress the way we had hoped, but we would like to thank Ivan and his staff for their honesty and hard work.”
With relegation now confirmed, the club is focusing on rebuilding and preparing for next season. Simon Rusk has been appointed as the interim manager for the remainder of the season, with former player Adam Lallana assisting him in his role. The club remains committed to restoring pride for its supporters and aims to rebuild in the Championship next season.
Despite a tough campaign, the statement thanked Southampton’s loyal fans for their continued support. “Their dedication and passion, despite what has been a very tough season, is remarkable and appreciated by everyone at the club,” it concluded. The Saints are determined to regain their position in the Premier League as they look ahead to a crucial summer of rebuilding.
