Southampton confirm Ivan Juric appointment as new manager after Russell Martin’s sacking

Martin was dismissed following the 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham on December 15 with the Saints sitting bottom of the Premier League with just one win. Less than a week since his exit, Juric has been appointed on an 18-month contract.

Juric most recently had a short stint in charge of Roma. He stepped in after Daniele De Rossi was sacked early in the season but he managed less than two months, with the Italian side winning four of the 12 matches they played under the Croatian. Before that, he spent three years in charge of Torino, guiding them to 10th and ninth-place finishes.

Southampton are hoping Juric can inspire an incredible comeback heading into the second half of the Premier League campaign.

A statement read: "Despite the club’s current position in the Premier League, we remain focused on fighting for survival this season and believe this appointment will provide us with the grit and determination needed to improve results on the pitch.

"Juric, a former Croatia international as a player, arrives at Saints on an 18-month contract with a reputation for helping his teams punch above their weight."

Juric said he wants his team to be "more aggressive, to do much more pressing" as he implements his playing style. Before his transformation can begin, though, the Saints will face Fulham in the league on Sunday.