Premier League bottom side Southampton appoint Ivan Juric as manager

Premier League basement club Southampton appointed Ivan Juric as their new manager on Saturday on an 18-month contract. The former Roma and Torino boss has replaced the sacked Russell Martin, with the south coast club bottom of the table and nine points off safety ahead of their match at Fulham on Sunday. Martin was sacked after an embarrassing 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last weekend.

The Saints said Juric had a reputation for “helping his teams punch above their weight”.

“I'm very happy,” the 49-year-old said. “I think it's a really big challenge but I'm very optimistic because I see a team that can do better.

“It's important to connect with the fans immediately. I want an attacking team and I think the Southampton fans will love that.”