2 days ago
'Negative experience' - Juric breaks silence on 107-day Saints reign
IVAN Juric admitted his ill-fated reign as Saints boss was "a negative experience" but insisted it was "very positive" for his growth as a manager.
New Atalanta boss Juric departed Saints in April following official confirmation of their relegation to the Championship, having lost 12 of his 14 Premier League games.
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The Croatian's only league victory came at fellow relegated side Ipswich Town, and his south coast departure came six months after he was sacked by Roma.
Juric has now replaced Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, after his mentor joined Roma, and has opened up on his difficult season in Italy and England.
Speaking in his first press conference, Juric said: "(It was) a negative year on a sporting level. Human and knowledge level, it was fantastic.
"I think I feel much stronger than a year ago, because (at) Roma I saw great clubs, great players. I learned a lot. In Southampton, I appreciated a fabulous Premier League.
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"People who are in the club, who know how to work. I saw really beautiful things. In the Premier League, I also remember the level of the players, (it's) very high.
"I think two negative experiences on the one hand, and on the other, (it was) very positive for me and my growth."
Juric lasted just 107 days in charge of Southampton and departed 24 hours after their 3-1 defeat to Spurs, which confirmed the club's relegation to the Championship.
He has been replaced by Belgian-born English coach Will Still, who has signed a three-year deal and is targeting an instant return to the Premier League.
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Juric has penned a two-year contract at Champions League-qualified Atalanta and is set to coach in UEFA's top club competition for the first time in his career.
The Split-born manager did take charge of four Europa League fixtures during his two-month spell in charge of Roma, winning just once and losing twice.
Fellow former Saints boss Russell Martin, whom Juric replaced, will also be competing in the 2025/26 Champions League after taking over at Rangers.
The Ibrox club will enter the Champions League in the second round of qualifying, while Atalanta have qualified directly by finishing third in Serie A.
