Ivan Jurić appointed Southampton manager on 18-month deal
Southampton turn to Ivan Jurić to steer Premier League survival Credit: None
Southampton have announced the appointment of Ivan Jurić as their new men’s first team manager.
Jurić, 49, takes over as the Saints fight to stay in the Premier League, with the club confident his leadership can drive a turnaround.
"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," said Jurić, speaking after signing an 18-month contract.
"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."
A former Croatia international during his playing career, Jurić brings extensive coaching experience from Serie A.
Most recently managing Roma for a very brief spell after three seasons with Torino, he has also led teams such as Genoa, Hellas Verona, Mantova, and Crotone.
Jurić has vowed to instil a new mentality at Southampton.
"I want us to be more aggressive, to do much more pressing, and we have to be quick to change mentality because this is my idea of football," he explained.
