Ivan Juric hailed for character by Southampton Star

Steve Bardens/Getty Images

Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone has praised new manager Ivan Juric for the character he has shown in taking on the challenge of taking over at St Mary’s.

Saints have been poor in the Premier League, bottom of the table, winning just one of their 20 games and collecting just six points.

Southampton’s lackluster performances resulted in the sacking of their former boss Russell Martin, who has been replaced by the experienced Croatian manager.

Saints midfielder Smallbone praised Juric for his character to rise to the challenge of saving Southampton from relegation to the Championship.

The midfielder even revealed his desire to help the new boss and his fellow team-mates in the coming months as Saints hope to extend their status as a Premier League club.

Little legs told BBC Radio Solent: “It wasn’t ideal to be out injured and the manager changed, but I’ve had a few weeks of training and a good conversation with the manager.

“I look forward to helping him, the team and the club in the next few months.

“It shows the character he is – he’s willing to take on any challenge and it’s shown when we’ve worked with him.”

Southampton are in a huge relegation battle in the second half of the Premier League and Smallbone will be hoping his new manager can work his magic and prevent Saints from going down to the Championship.