Ex-Premier League manager with unwanted record sacked after grabbing his own player

Atalanta have axed Ivan Juric, the ex-Southampton manager, bringing to an end his brief spell in charge of the Italian side, which involved a public spat with Ademola Lookman

Atalanta have sacked Ivan Juric following a run of seven Serie A games without a win – ending the former Southampton manager’s brief stint in charge of the Italian outfit.

The club from Bergamo embarked on a new era in the summer after Gian Piero Gasperini chose to move on and take charge at Roma following half a decade of success – however the man who replaced him has not hit the heights expected and been axed as a result.

Juric only lasted 11 Serie A games, winning just twice, and leaves with the club languishing in 13th. He suffered back-to-back losses in recent weeks, which has ultimately cost him.

A statement from the club on Monday read: “Atalanta BC announces that Ivan Jurić has been relieved of his duties as First Team coach, along with his closest collaborators, namely Matteo Paro, Miguel Veloso, Paolo Barbero, Stjepan Ostojić, and Michele Orecchio. Atalanta BC thanks Ivan Jurić and his staff for their commitment and wishes them all the best for the future.”

Juric made unwanted headlines recently when he clashed with star man Ademola Lookman. The duo exchanged words after the forward was subbed off in the 75th minute during the Champions League match between Atalanta and Marseille on Wednesday.

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The manager then grabbed his player by the arm before they were separated by a member of staff. Juric had later claimed that the “case is closed” and expanded by saying “that reaction is something that can happen occasionally,”

Juric has ultimately endured a horrible few years and last year made unwanted history in the Premier League whilst in charge at Southampton, who were relegated back to the Championship. The Saints though became the earlier team to ever have their relegation confirmed when their fate was confirmed on April 6.

Southampton did manage to narrowly avoid the record low numbers of points – which remains the 11 Derby had nearly 20 years ago. Juric was in charge for 16 games – winning two, drawing one and losing the rest. It meant he departed with a win percentage of just 12 percent.

His only win in the Premier League came at Ipswich, who also went down. Juric would depart the day after Southampton’s relegation was confirmed and is looking to rebuild his reputation. The Croatian has spent the bulk of his coaching career in Italy.

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