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Ivan Juric is a former Croatia international Southampton have appointed Ivan Juric as their new manager on an 18-month deal. The Croat replaces Russell Martin, who was sacked by Saints last week after their 5-0 thrashing by Tottenham. Juric, 49, was most recently manager of Roma, but was sacked in November after just 12 matches in charge. "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, " Juric said. "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. " The Southampton job marks Juric's first managerial role outside Italy with his deal said to include a summer break clause. Juric began his managerial career at Mantova in 2014 before moving on to manage Crotone, Genoa and Hellas Verona. Prior to joining Roma, he helped Torino to three mid-table finishes in Serie A, forging a reputation for being in charge of defensively solid teams. Club sources say Juric was one of two options in the frame as Ralph Hasenhuttl's replacement when Nathan Jones was appointed in November 2022. The club is said to have wanted a manager who can bring some solidity and discipline to the squad after the heavy defeat by Spurs. Juric is unlikely to take charge of Sunday's match at Fulham, meaning his first match in the Saints dugout is set to be at home to West Ham on 26 December. Southampton are bottom of the Premier League table, nine points from safety, having picked up just one win so far this season. Latest Southampton news and analysis Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Premier League: Jesus double for Arsenal in thriller at Palace Man City crisis deepens with deserved defeat at Aston Villa Usyk v Fury 2 - big-fight predictions Howard Marks: Britain’s most notorious drug smuggler The man behind the criminal moniker ‘Mr Nice’ The Buddhist monk who gave his life in protest Sister Chan Khong witnessed Thich Quang Duc's ultimate sacrifice and recalls the distressing event A duchess's public divorce which gripped the country Claire Foy and Paul Bettany star in a drama of secrets and suspicion, based on a true story Victoria Wood's never-before-broadcast treasures Her biographer, Jasper Rees, has been given unique access to the comedian's own private archive 'Ugly rabbit' v 'Greedy belly' - Usyk & Fury's epic rivalry From gym to SPOTY red carpet - behind the scenes with Hodgkinson. Video From gym to SPOTY red carpet - behind the scenes with Hodgkinson Four key areas for Everton's new owners to address Why Rashford is 'lightning rod for criticism' Hewitt, Borg and others following their tennis parents Live your life, people will talk regardless - Saka. Video Live your life, people will talk regardless - Saka Hodgkinson wins Sports Personality of the Year 2024 Mentality, Paris effect & Malta sun - inside Fury's revenge bid Slot the difference - Liverpool's tactical tweaks under new boss 'He has rebuilt Arsenal' - now Arteta must clear 'hardest hurdle' How misfit Cavendish changed the face of cycling Everything you need to know about Euro 2025 Usyk v Fury 2 - all you need to know 'The award goes to. .. ' - England Test team's year in gongs Voyce - a wing who took flight with Wasps The best pictures from the 2024 F1 season Six countries, two hemispheres - how will 2030 World Cup work? Why Raducanu is giving herself a 'pat on the back' for 2024 © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.