Southampton parts ways with Juric after disastrous Premier League campaign, with Danny Rohl emerging as the top candidate to lead Championship rebuild.
Southampton confirmed the departure of manager Ivan Juric on April 7, 2025, just four months after his appointment, as the club’s relegation from the Premier League became mathematically inevitable. The Croatian, who was sacked twice in the same season (first by Roma in November 2024 and now by Southampton), leaves with one of the worst managerial records in Premier League history: just two wins in 16 games and a paltry five points from a possible 48.
Juric’s exit marks the culmination of a disastrous season for the Saints, who were relegated with seven games remaining—the earliest demotion in Premier League history 17. Interim manager Simon Rusk, assisted by club legend Adam Lallana, will oversee the final fixtures as Southampton prepares for life in the Championship
Juric inherited a squad already in freefall, but his tenure exacerbated the crisis. Under his leadership, Southampton lost 13 of 16 league games, including a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham that sealed their fate. His sole Premier League victory came against Ipswich Town in February, a rare bright spot in a season defined by defensive collapses and tactical disarray.
Known for his rigid 3-4-2-1 formation and man-marking system, Juric’s approach clashed with Southampton’s possession-oriented DNA. Players struggled to adapt, leading to disorganization and frequent errors. Fans and pundits alike criticized his “bizarre team selections” and failure to build on Russell Martin’s structured system.
Reports revealed a fractured relationship between Juric and key players. His reactive style reportedly “demoralized” the squad, with senior figures like Jan Bednarek and Adam Armstrong visibly frustrated on the pitch. The disconnect accelerated the team’s disintegration, culminating in a record-low 10 points from 31 games.
Juric’s hiring itself raised eyebrows. Signed on an 18-month contract with a six-month break clause, he was seen as a short-term gamble. The board’s decision to replace Martin—a coach familiar with the squad—with a manager inexperienced in English football backfired spectacularly.
With relegation confirmed, Southampton’s focus shifts to appointing a manager capable of orchestrating an immediate Championship resurgence. Danny Rohl, currently at Sheffield Wednesday, has emerged as the frontrunner.
Why Rohl Fits the Bill
Rohl rescued Sheffield Wednesday from relegation in 2023/24, earning praise for his tactical flexibility and man-management. This season, he guided them to a mid-table finish despite limited resources, showcasing his ability to develop cohesive systems.
Rohl previously worked as an assistant under Ralph Hasenhüttl at St Mary’s and shares a rapport with new technical director Johannes Spors, who collaborated with him at RB Leipzig. His familiarity with the club’s structure could ease the transition.
Unlike Juric, Rohl is viewed as a project manager. His emphasis on youth development and attacking play aligns with Southampton’s philosophy, making him a popular choice among fans desperate for stability.
Liam Rosenior (Strasbourg) and Frank Lampard (Coventry) have been discussed, but Rohl remains the priority. Compensation for Rohl—estimated at £4 million—is a hurdle, but Saints’ hierarchy believes the investment is justified for a proven Championship operator.
Southampton’s relegation marks a humbling chapter for a club once lauded for its Premier League resilience. Juric’s firing underscores the perils of short-term thinking, but the potential arrival of Danny Rohl offers hope. His track record in the Championship, combined with his affinity for the club, positions him as the ideal candidate to restore pride—and perhaps replicate the success of Russell Martin’s Swansea-era playbook.
For now, Saints fans must endure the pain of relegation. But with shrewd leadership and a clear vision, the road back to the top flight begins now.
Leave a Reply