Southampton are reportedly planning to part ways with head coach Ivan Juric at the end of the season, marking their second managerial change of the campaign. The Croatian manager, who replaced Russell Martin in December, has overseen a disastrous tenure, with the Saints rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table. They have managed just one win under Juric, accumulating only nine points from 27 matches while scoring 19 goals and conceding 65.
Juric arrived on an 18-month contract with hopes of stabilizing the team and potentially guiding them back to the Premier League in case of relegation. However, Southampton’s performances have shown little improvement, with heavy defeats such as a 5-0 loss to Brentford and consecutive 4-0 losses to Brighton and Chelsea tarnishing his reputation. The Saints now sit 13 points adrift from safety, making relegation almost certain.
Despite Juric’s insistence that he remains the right man for the job, reports suggest Southampton’s hierarchy has already identified potential replacements. Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl is reportedly their top target. Rohl, who previously served as Ralph Hasenhüttl’s assistant at Southampton, gained recognition for saving Sheffield Wednesday from relegation last season. Talks with Rohl stalled earlier due to compensation issues, but his fee could drop significantly if Southampton are relegated.
Juric has admitted to struggling with the challenges at St Mary’s, citing difficulties in implementing his philosophy and tactics. While he has expressed optimism about building something long-term, his tenure has been marred by poor results and a lack of cohesion on the pitch. The Saints’ inability to capitalize on opportunities and their defensive frailties have left fans frustrated.
Southampton’s decision to delay Juric’s dismissal until the end of the season reflects their focus on preparing for life in the Championship. However, with relegation looming and a managerial change on the horizon, the club faces a critical period as they aim to rebuild and return to England’s top flight.