New Delhi: Southampton has decided to part ways with manager Ivan Juric following their relegation from the Premier League on Sunday. Juric’s tenure came to an end after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, marking the Saints’ 25th loss of the season.
No Premier League team’s fate has been sealed this early in recent memory, with Southampton’s return to the second tier confirmed with seven matches still to play. The club wasted no time and swiftly announced Juric’s departure. He had been appointed as Russell Martin’s successor on an 18-month deal in December, following a 0-5 thrashing by the Spurs. Since then, the Croatian has managed to win just two of his 16 matches in charge.
In a statement released by the club, they said, “Ivan came to Southampton at a tough time and was tasked with trying to improve a squad in a difficult situation. 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 as they fought against the odds to try and keep us up.”
The statement continued, “With relegation to the Championship now confirmed, we believe it is important to give fans, players, and staff some clarity on the future as we head into a very important summer.”
Southampton and Leeds were the last two clubs to part ways with two permanent managers in the same season, both doing so in 2022–23. Juric lasted just 108 days at St Mary’s, marking his spell as the ninth shortest managerial reign in Premier League history.
Who Will Step In?
Simon Rusk is expected to take charge as interim manager, with Adam Lallana set to assist him for the remaining seven games. The beleaguered club stated, “The process of finding a new manager to lead us as we look to secure an immediate return to the Premier League has now begun and is being led by group technical director Johannes Spors.”
Simon Rusk has agreed to take charge of the team as Interim Manager for the remaining seven fixtures of the season, and will be assisted by Adam Lallana. pic.twitter.com/dEMM8Ub0uT
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 7, 2025
Danny Rohl, who previously worked at St Mary’s as assistant to Ralph Hasenhüttl, is the early favourite to succeed Juric. Rohl was sacked earlier this season by Serie A side Roma.
As Southampton begins planning for life in the Championship, the focus now shifts to a crucial summer that could shape the club’s path for years to come.
Southampton begin search for new manager as Ivan Juric departs after just 108 days, with Simon Rusk stepping in for the final seven games. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
