SOUTHAMPTON, England — On Saturday, Ivan Juric was officially appointed as the new manager of Southampton, taking on the significant responsibility of keeping the team competitive in the Premier League.

Juric steps in for Russell Martin, who was dismissed from his position last week after the club found itself at the bottom of the standings.

In an official statement, Southampton expressed their commitment to battling for their survival in the league and expressed confidence that Juric’s appointment would instill the necessary grit and determination to enhance their on-field performance.

The 49-year-old manager has signed a contract lasting 18 months, marking a new chapter in his coaching career.

Prior to joining Southampton, Juric had a brief stint with Italian powerhouse Roma for two months.

The current state of Southampton is concerning, with the team suffering six losses in their last seven matches, leaving them nine points adrift from safety.

Juric acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge ahead but remained optimistic. “It’s a really big challenge but I’m very optimistic because I saw a team that can do better,” he stated. He emphasized his desire to develop an aggressive playing style, which he believes will resonate well with the fans of Southampton.

By taking on the manager’s role, Juric aims to not only reclaim the team’s competitive edge but also revive the spirits of the supporters during this crucial phase.