Ivan Juric is no longer the manager of Southampton after the team`s demotion from the Premier League.
Southampton`s relegation to the Championship was confirmed on Sunday after a 3-1 loss to Tottenham, making them the earliest team to be relegated from the English top division in history.
The club is currently at the bottom of the league table with only ten points and is in danger 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 relegation to the Championship was mathematically certain.
Assistant coach Simon Rusk will manage the team for the remainder of the season, with current player and former England international Adam Lallana joining 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 transfer.
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, and we thank Ivan and his staff for their dedication and effort in trying to avoid relegation.
"Now that relegation is confirmed, we want to provide clarity for our fans, players, and staff as we look ahead to an important summer.
"The search for a new manager to guide our club for an immediate return to the Premier League has begun, led by Group Technical Director Johannes Spors."
"We are very grateful for the continued support of our fans. Their unwavering commitment and passion during this tough season are truly remarkable and appreciated by everyone at the club."
The club aims to restore pride in the team and club despite the difficulties of relegation.
Juric 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 107-day tenure is the 11th shortest in Premier League history, just one day longer than Claudio Ranieri`s time at Fulham in 2018-19.
Juric averaged only 0.29 points per game during his time at Southampton.
This is 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.
Settlement negotiations with Juric and his staff are ongoing.
Under Juric, Southampton won only two matches: an FA Cup victory against Swansea and a league win against Ipswich.
He lost 13 out of 16 games, and Southampton were relegated with seven games remaining, setting a new record for the earliest relegation in Premier League history.
Their relegation at GW31 surpasses the previous record held by Ipswich and Derby County.
Southampton may also finish with the lowest ever points total in the Premier League, currently at ten points, one less than Derby in 2008.
This season, Southampton has won more games against Championship teams (three) than Premier League teams.
After the final whistle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Juric acknowledged the Southampton fans.
He expressed gratitude for the fans` support, stating, "For me, this is a completely new experience."
“I told the players they should be very grateful for fans like these.”
“It’s incredible how they love their team even after relegation.
“They deserve much more. It`s a different culture compared to Italy.
“They show love in this moment. It’s a great thing in English culture, Southampton culture.”
Juric did not discuss his departure after the game, but hinted at wanting to stay, saying: “If we take the long road to come back here, I am ready.”
“We have many young, talented players who lack experience.
“The gap is significant, but from now on, the players can develop and be ready for the Premier League; this is my vision.”
Southampton has conceded 73 goals this season despite signing England international goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Juric criticized the club`s recruitment, stating: "Recruitment is everything in football. We have talented young players, but without much Premier League experience."
"In my 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 start building something positive."
Southampton is the third team to lose 25 of their first 31 top-flight games, following Sunderland in 2005-06 and Sheffield United in 2020-21.
Last season, Southampton achieved promotion through the Championship play-offs after a 22-match unbeaten run.
Under Sport Republic`s ownership, Southampton has experienced relegation, promotion, and relegation again in three full seasons.
