Premier League

IVAN JURIC has left Southampton following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.The Saints became the earliest team ever to be relegated from England’s top flight after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Tottenham.Ivan Juric has left Southampton after 107 days in chargeCredit: GettyThe Saints were relegated from the Prem after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at TottenhamCredit: RexAdam Lallana will become a player-coach for the rest of the season and assist Simon RuskCredit: GettyThe club are slumped at the bottom of the table on just ten points and risk setting the record for the lowest tally in Premier League history.The Croatian departs St Mary’s less than 24 hours after club’s immediate return to the Championship was confirmed.Assistant coach Simon Rusk will take the team until the end of the season and current midfielder Adam Lallana will assist him as a player-coach.Former England star Lallana – who won the Prem with Liverpool in 2020 – returned to St Mary’s on a one-year contract as a free agent last summer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Saints’ statement read: “Ivan came to Southampton at a tough time and was tasked with trying to improve a squad in a difficult situation. “Unfortunately, we haven’t seen performances progress the way we had hoped, but we would like to thank Ivan and his staff for their honesty and hard work as they fought against the odds to try and keep us up.”With relegation now confirmed, we believe it is important to give fans, players and staff some clarity on the future as we head into a very important summer.”The process of finding a new manager to lead us as we look to secure an immediate return to the Premier League has now begun and is being led by Group Technical Director Johannes Spors.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We remain incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our fans. Their continued dedication and passion, despite what has been a very tough season, is remarkable and is appreciated by everyone at the club.”Despite the challenges that relegation will bring, our goal is to restore a sense of pride for them in their team and club once againBoy Wonders: Is Southampton star Tyler Dibling the new Grealish?Juric signed an 18 month deal when he took over from sacked Russell Martin on December 21.His contract had a break clause which would be reviewed at the end of the season.That means his 107-day spell in charge is the 11th-shortest managerial stint in the Premier League era, just one day more than Claudio Ranieri at Fulham in 2018-19.Incredibly, Juric has picked up just 0.29 points per game during his nightmare stint in charge on the south coast.And that is the lowest average for any manager in Premier League history to oversee ten or more matches.The Southampton players were told on Monday morning, with Juric’s backroom staff also set to leave the club, according to Sky Sports.Settlement talks for both Juric and his staff are ongoing.Juric oversaw just two victories — an FA Cup third-round win over Championship side Swansea and the league win at Ipswich.He lost 13 of his 16 games as the newly promoted side were relegated in record time, with seven games still remaining.Their relegation in GW31 means they beat the record previously jointly held by Ipswich and Derby County.The latter sides relegation’s were confirmed with six matches left to play in 1994-95 and 2007-08 respectively.Southampton could yet finish on the lowest-ever points total in the Prem, as their total of ten so far is one less than Derby in 2008.The club also beat more Championship teams this season (three), than Prem sides – with EFL wins over Stoke and Cardiff either side of the Swansea one.When the final whistle went at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Juric walked onto the pitch and stared across at the corner where the away fans were gathered.On being applauded by Saints fans, he said: “For me, this is something completely new, a new experience.“I said to the players they have to be really thankful that they have fans like this.“It is something incredible the way they love their team even though we were relegated. “They really deserve much more. It’s another type of culture [to Italy]. “They show love in this moment. It is a great thing in English culture, Southampton culture.”Juric lost 13 of his 16 games as the newly promoted sideCredit: RexThe south coast club have won just two of their 31 league games this seasonCredit: RexJuric didn’t address his exit after the relegation game and instead hinted at wanting to stay.He added: “If we take the long road to come back here, I am ready.“We have lots of young players, talented players. They are good but lack experience. “The gap is huge but from this moment the players can grow up and improve and be ready for the Premier League; this is my idea.”The south coast club have won just two of their 31 league games this season, conceding 73 goals despite signing England international Aaron Ramsdale.Juric – who was sacked by Roma after a dismal six-week spell in November 2024 – hit out the club’s lack of recruitment as well.He said: “Recruitment is everything in football. We have a lot of talented young players, but with not many games in the Premier League. “What I noticed most in three or four months here is the completely different physicality between us and the other teams in the league.”Now is the moment to understand the mistakes the club made in the last three or four years and start to create something really good.”The Saints are the third team to lose as many as 25 of their first 31 games of a top-flight campaign, after Sunderland in 2005-06 and Sheffield United in 2020-21 (both also 25).Read More on The SunIt has been quite the contrast to last season, when a 22-match unbeaten run in the Championship helped aid their successful bid for promotion to the Prem via a play-off final win over Leeds at Wembley.In three full seasons under the ownership of Sport Republic, Southampton have been relegated, promoted and relegated again. More

PATRICK DORGU was singled out for having the first touch of a “baby elephant” during the Manchester derby.Man United and Man City shared a goalless stalemate at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.Patrick Dorgu was singled out for having the first touch of a ‘baby elephant’ during the Manchester derbyCredit: RexSunSport columnist Troy Deeney gave his take on Match of the Day 2United – who sit 13th in the Prem – had the better chances to secure the victory but their bluntness in front of goal let them down again.And former Premier League striker and SunSport columnist Troy Deeney gave his take on Match of the Day 2.Deeney joked about “scratching” around for positives for the highlights show, before praising United’s improved build up play.The ex-Watford talisman admired Alejandro Garnacho’s hard work and runs in behind as one of two No 10s in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAfter swapping over to the right flank towards the end of the first half, Garnacho brilliantly cut an inviting ball into the penalty spot area, with Dorgu bursting into the box.But the January signing’s awful first touch made it look like he had builder’s boots on and ensured it was another chance passed up.Deeney continued: “Garnacho’s willingness to run in behind is what United need going forward and this is what Amorim is talking about.”This touch from Dorgu is the touch of a baby elephant. It is so terrible. If you want to score goals you need to do better.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordDeeney later noticed the “nice connection” down the left between Garnacho and Dorgu.Pep Guardiola’s side also lacked intensity and desire and could now drop behind in the race for Champions League football.Pep Guardiola in iconic reaction to controversial Man Utd fans’ chantMOTD host Mark Chapman and Shay Given backed up Bruno Fernandes’ post-match comments about VAR leaving players concerned about putting a foot wrong.Deeney said: “The Premier League and English football used to be about big tackles and huge physicality.”VAR is killing the game and it’s becoming more like flag football. We’re losing our derbies.”Because nobody enjoyed watching that and it took us four and a half hours just to get a two minute clip. That’s how bad it was.”It comes days after Martin O’Neill slammed Dorgu for his poor performance in United’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last Tuesday. Working as a pundit for TNT Sports, the 73-year-old said: “They had Dorgu playing tonight. I could have done what he did!Read More on The Sun”He’s wide left-hand side, he’s got the ball and you’re saying: ‘Come on! Your job is to take players on. Get at them!'”Maybe it’s no confidence, I don’t know what it is. But these type of things are all over the field for Manchester United.” More

PHIL FODEN has issued a three-word response after Manchester United fans sang sick chants about his mum.The 24-year-old was subjected to vile chants about his mum during Manchester City’s 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.Phil Foden has issued a response following Man City’s draw with Man UtdCredit: GettyThe City star was subjected to vile chants about his mumCredit: GettyMan City boss Pep Guardiola berated those involved for the “shameful” language at full-time, saying: “Lack of class. But it’s not United, it’s the people, you know?”We are so exposed, people who are on the screen in world football – managers, owners, and football players especially.”Honestly, I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.”It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow, Foden has issued his own response on Instagram.”We keep going,” the Man City star wrote alongside five photos of himself from the match.Fans flocked to the comments to offer the midfielder some support, with one person writing: “Don’t mind the haters Phil every great person has haters we keep going.”While another said: “We are with you.”Most read in FootballAfter the derby, Guardiola admitted he has been stunned by Man City’s decline this season.The Spaniard said: “This season we dropped incredibly. Not just Phil Foden but all of them.Pep Guardiola in iconic reaction to controversial Man Utd fans’ chant”Last season, his impact was incredible. With him and chances it’s normally bang, bang. Just not at the moment.”But the team is not playing at the level we had. And we were not at our level in this game.”After Sunday’s match, footage of the moment Foden was targeted by United supporters emerged on social media.In the clip, filmed from the stands, the midfielder can be seen sarcastically clapping and giving a thumbs up to the home supporters. More

RASMUS HOJLUND’s performance in the boring Manchester derby showed why Ruben Amorim is going after a new striker in the summer.The Dane struggled to lead the line against Pep Guardiola’s side, whose own lack of intent in the 0-0 draw could be punished in the race for a Champions League place.Rasmus Hojlund had just 15 touches of the ball in 71 minutesCredit: EPAHojlund endured a difficult derbyCredit: ReutersBut Hojlund struggled to impact the game and barely had any involvement throughout the 71 minutes he was on the pitch.Indeed, the stats reflect just how tough he found it at a sunny Old Trafford.The 22-year-old had just 15 touches and completed only seven of his nine attempted passes – a 78 per cent accuracy.The down-trodden striker also failed to register a single touch in City’s box.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHojlund also had ZERO shots at Ederson’s goal.He lost the ball four times before being replaced by Joshua Zirkzee with 19 minutes left of normal time.Zirkzee – who had 11 touches in the final embers – was more of a handful for the City back line and went close to an elusive opener when he tested Ederson from Patrick Dorgu’s cross.But Hojlund perhaps showed why he has to be replaced up front in the summer.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordSunday’s draw came days after centre-back Harry Maguire was launched up front to find a winner against Nottingham Forest.And although Maguire couldn’t find a leveller, he accumulated more xG in added time than Hojlund had in his last 15 appearances prior.Man Utd star brutally compared to ‘BABY ELEPHANT’ on live TVThe former Atalanta man, signed for £72MILLION in 2023, has just eight goals this term – with only three in the Premier League.The Red Devils are set to battle Arsenal for Amorim’s former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.United and City have been below their usual standards this season and the goalless draw at Old Trafford displayed that.Amorim fielded seven defensive players and relied heavily on Bruno Fernandes for the occasional promising pass.The Portuguese manager said: “Both teams aren’t fighting for the title – that changed the game. “You can make a funny game but that feeling of not losing a point and winning every game at home is not here.”But Gary Neville slammed that sentiment and said the derby was a bad advert for the Prem.Neville said: “The best City and Man United teams would be very disappointed with the way they’ve approached the end of that game.”It looks like it’s Sunday afternoon and they’re going to go for a roast dinner together now. “They’re micromanaged to an inch of their lives, so robotic and it’s symptomatic of a lot of games that we’re watching nowadays.”Gary Neville slammed Man Utd’s dull 0-0 draw with Man CityRoy Keane also ripped into all the hugging and chatting at full-time.Amorim has since responded: “I understand that Gary is critical about everything so I understand that part.”Then I understand that we are in the moment that we are doing the worst season in history.”So we are not in the best moments to give the best spectacle to every fan.”But the fans were up for it, with many chanting in reference to the 130 charges City face for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.And Guardiola condemned the home fans for sick chants about Phil Foden’s mum.The Red Devils face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals, with the first leg in France coming up on Thursday.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, City sit fifth, still a point behind Chelsea after the Blues played out a 0-0 draw of their own against Brentford. Newcastle can still overtake them if they beat struggling Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday night. More

MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola waved to United fans as he received pelters from the Stretford End.The City manager, 54, had just watched his side labour to a 0-0 bore draw with Man Utd at Old Trafford.Pep Guardiola waved at the Stretford EndThroughout the match, United fans chanted in reference to the 130 charges City face for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.As Guardiola made his way to the tunnel following the conclusion of the match, fans booed and sang: “Cheating b*******, you know what you are.”Not being able to help himself, the Spaniard stopped before reaching the tunnel.Guardiola turned towards the Stretford End, waving in their direction with both hands.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe three-time Champions League-winning manager’s response was met by sarcastic cheers from the United faithful.Standing just in front of Guardiola, City star Bernardo Silva couldn’t help but smirk, while a fan on social media admitted: “That was the most entertaining part of the game!”The 0-0 draw saw City miss the chance to leapfrog Chelsea into fourth place in the Premier League.United, meanwhile, clambered back above Tottenham into 13th, after the North Londoners had beaten Southampton 3-1 earlier in the day.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKGuardiola, 54, couldn’t help but react to United fans’ chantsCredit: AlamyAfter yesterday’s match, Guardiola slammed United fans for chants about Phil Foden’s mum.Sections of Old Trafford sang: “Phil Foden, your mum is a s**g.”‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mumGuardiola said: “It was a lack of class.“We are so exposed in football — managers, owners and football players especially.”It is understood that senior figures within City were “shocked and disgusted” by the chants.Guardiola added: “I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.’ASHAMED’“It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”Foden, 24, has this season been unable to replicate the form that saw him earn the PFA Player of the Year award last term.On the England star’s struggles, Guardiola said: “This season we dropped incredibly. Not just Phil Foden but all of them.“Last season, his impact was incredible.Read More on The Sun”With him and chances it’s normally bang, bang. Just not at the moment.”But the team is not playing at the level we had. And we were not at our level in this game.”Guardiola defended struggling star Phil FodenCredit: AP More