Pundits give mixed reactions to Ivan Juric’s Appointment as Southampton Manager
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Brian Hatherley was reacting to the appointment of Ivan Juric as the new manager for Southampton after they sacked Russell Martin. Hatherley expressed his willingness to support the new manager despite initial reservations about his hiring.
Brian Hatherley said, “Not my first choice but prepared to give him the benefit. Don’t think we can stay up but if we go down fighting, I will be happy.”
Matt Hill commented on the potential challenges faced by Southampton’s players under Ivan Juric’s management style, contrasting it with the previous manager, Russell Martin.
Matt Hill suggested, “The players are in for a shock. This guy is known to not take any crap. I think a problem with Russ is that though the players loved him, they saw him as their friend rather than their boss.”
David Haskell compared Ivan Juric to a past manager, expressing skepticism about his appointment and referencing the issue of a work permit.
David Haskell claimed, “(He is) the Croatian Nathan Jones, sorry to say and no to the work permit on the grounds he has no experience in the job he is applying for.”
David Marshall questioned the club’s approach to long-term planning while expressing hope for the new manager’s success.
David Marshall asked, “What happened to the ‘long-term’ planning then? Gone out the window I guess! But good luck Ivan. We need stability and a team that plays to win with energy, fight and positivity.”
Paul Edwards addressed the dissatisfaction with the team’s previous style of play and hoped for a positive change under Ivan Juric’s management.
Paul Edwards said, “Give the guy a break if he gets us playing even half-decent football and giving it a go it’s got to be better than sideways and backwards football.”
Nathan K Bartlett expressed strong disapproval of Ivan Juric’s appointment, criticizing his managerial record and conveying frustration with the current club management.
Nathan K Bartlett wrote, “A truly horrific appointment considering his horrendous managerial record. I’m done with saints until SR are gone.”
Mart, known as SFCMart on X, discussed his anticipation for Ivan Juric’s potential positive impact on certain players, including Kamaldeen Sulemana, based on Juric’s style of play.
Mart said, “Nearly 2 years after signing him, Kamaldeen Sulemana might have the perfect manager to suit his style. Ivan Jurić likes to play with wingers who play on the opposing side to their strong foot, and his wingers tend to be asked to attack empty space. But I’m excited, everything I’ve read minus his time at Roma sounds good. Hoping it kick starts with at least a point tomorrow afternoon.”
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