Ivan Juric is no longer the manager of Southampton after the team was relegated from the Premier League.
Southampton`s relegation to the Championship was confirmed on Sunday following a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham, making them the earliest team to ever be relegated from the top tier of English football.
The club currently sits at the bottom of the league table with only ten points, facing the possibility of recording the lowest points total in Premier League history.
Juric`s departure from St Mary`s comes less than a day after the club`s return to the Championship was confirmed.
Simon Rusk, the assistant coach, will manage the team for the remainder of the season. Current midfielder and former England international, Adam Lallana, will support Rusk as a player-coach.
Lallana, who won the Premier League title with Liverpool in 2020, rejoined Southampton last summer on a one-year deal as a free agent.
Southampton released a statement saying: “Ivan joined Southampton during a challenging period and was tasked with improving the team in a difficult situation.
“Unfortunately, the team`s performance did not improve as expected. We thank Ivan and his staff for their dedication and effort in trying to prevent relegation.
“With relegation now certain, we want to provide clarity for our fans, players, and staff as we approach a crucial summer.
“The search for a new manager to lead the club for an immediate return to the Premier League has begun, led by Group Technical Director Johannes Spors.”
The club added, “We are grateful for the continued support of our fans. Their unwavering dedication and passion throughout this tough season are valued by everyone at the club.
Despite the difficulties of relegation, our aim is to restore pride in the team and club for our supporters.”
Juric initially signed an 18-month contract when he replaced Russell Martin on December 21. His contract included a break clause to be reviewed at the end of the season.
His tenure lasted 107 days, making it the 11th shortest managerial reign in Premier League history, just one day longer than Claudio Ranieri`s time at Fulham in 2018-19.
During his time, Juric averaged only 0.29 points per game, the lowest average for any manager with ten or more Premier League matches.
Southampton players were informed of the decision on Monday morning, and Juric`s coaching staff is also expected to leave, according to Sky Sports. Settlement negotiations with Juric and his staff are ongoing.
Under Juric, Southampton secured only two wins: an FA Cup victory against Swansea and a league win against Ipswich.
He lost 13 out of 16 games, leading to the team`s record-early relegation with seven games remaining. Their relegation at GW31 surpasses the previous earliest relegations of Ipswich and Derby County.
Southampton might also achieve the lowest ever points total in the Premier League, currently having ten points, one less than Derby in 2008.
This season, Southampton has won more against Championship teams (three) than Premier League teams. Victories over Stoke and Cardiff, in addition to Swansea, were their only non-Premier League wins.
After the final whistle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Juric acknowledged the Southampton fans` applause, saying: “This is a completely new experience for me.
“I told the players to be grateful for such fans.
“Their love for the team, even after relegation, is incredible.
“They deserve much better. It’s a different culture [from Italy].
“They show love in this moment. It’s a great aspect of English and Southampton culture.”
Despite his dismissal, Juric had previously hinted at wanting to stay, not addressing his exit directly after the relegation game.
He added: “If we take the long road back, I am ready.
“We have many talented young players who lack experience.
“The gap is significant, but from now, players can develop and improve to be ready for the Premier League; that’s my vision.”
Southampton has only won two of 31 league games this season, conceding 73 goals despite signing England international Aaron Ramsdale.
Juric, previously sacked by Roma in November 2024 after six weeks, also criticized the club`s recruitment strategy.
He stated: “Recruitment is crucial in football. We have talented young players, but few with Premier League experience.
“In my short time here, I`ve noticed a significant difference in physicality between us and other league teams.
“Now is the time to learn from the club`s mistakes over the past few years and build something truly strong.”
Southampton is the third team to lose 25 of their first 31 top-flight matches, alongside Sunderland in 2005-06 and Sheffield United in 2020-21.
This season contrasts sharply with the previous one, where a 22-game unbeaten run in the Championship led to their promotion via a play-off final victory over Leeds.
Under Sport Republic`s ownership for three full seasons, Southampton has experienced relegation, promotion, and another relegation.
