Just over a month since his appointment, Ivan Jurić has certainly made an impact on the South Coast, but has it been enough and was it the correct decision to appoint him?
For many, the departure of Russell Martin felt immanent and unavoidable. Southampton were sitting as dead weights at the bottom of the table on 5 points and showed no indication of recovering. Despite the slow start, the club stood loyal to their manager and insisted this was part of a process, and that they were invested in the system he was creating – but after an embarrassing 5-1 defeat at home to an out of form Tottenham Hotspur, the club parted ways with the man who lead them to promotion just a few months before.
In came Ivan Jurić, an established manager but largely unknown quantity. His appointment was one that many deemed unexciting but one that has had an indisputable impact. Whilst Southampton still sit in 20th and have only seen one league win since his arrival, change has been noticeable in performance, mentality and fan attitudes. But has it been enough?
Overall the quality of football has been much improved since the arrival of Jurić, with an alteration in shape and selection changing the Saints for the better… however, the same issues still remain – a lack of clinicality and too many defensive errors. Under his management, winger Kamaldeen Sulemana and forward Paul Onuachu have begun to shine, gaining confidence in this new system and providing an increased threat to the side.
Since his arrival at the club Sulemana has always been a player with potential however one that never truly found his feet. With his dynamic presence and ability on the ball he has begun to find the confidence and consistency he has so far lacked, as well as displaying what appears to be an amended work rate which has up until now always been his biggest failing. This combination of ability and attitude have lead to him becoming a key figure in fixtures as of late, being the leading man behind the majority of attacking opportunities.
With a lack of goals scored being Southampton’s biggest failing this season, Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu has begun to find some form under Jurić. A signing that was always questioned with his style not being overtly compatible with the club’s way of playing, he has settled into his role in this new formation scoring two goals in three games. Whilst not pretty, his ability to hold the ball and antagonise a defence is a huge asset to Southampton’s attack, and has been brought to the light through Jurić’s management.
Despite the positives, Southampton have continued to struggle to find results, and still look set for relegation. With survival being the aim of his appointment, many will likely reflect on his time at the club as a failure, unless significant change occurs. Whilst many of the clubs faults have proven to be systemic and player-centred, the final accountability will always fall upon the shoulders of management. What he has recovered in terms of quality, Jurić has lost in longevity. Russell Martin may have struggled in the Premier League however there was always an impression of intent and legacy, that he had a system he was creating and investing into and the club was on board with – the current feel of the club is one that lacks direction.
After another unexciting and unsuccessful transfer window where necessary signings failed to be made, there are significant question marks over the long term vision for the club. The board seem to be accepting of relegation and the disappointing loss of young talents such as Jayden Meghoma and Sam Amo-Ameyaw this season tell a story; this is a club that has always looked to the future however now seem to be lost in their own identity. Board changes are happening, and this week the appointment of new technical director Johannes Spores was announced however is it too little too late, and is there an amounting pressure on Sport Republic and their vision for the club?
Jurić faces an uphill battle as his season continues, but it is a battle that is not yet over. Now only time will tell whether he has what it takes to pull off one of the most historical turnarounds the Premier League will have ever seen.
Poppy Deabill