SAINTS manager Ivan Juric insisted taking charge at St Mary's has been "a little bit of my dream" after first contact with the club over two years ago.

Juric, 49, was in contention to replace former boss Ralph Hasenhuttl when he was sacked by Sport Republic in November 2022.

The Croatian was the boss at Torino and Saints eventually appointed Nathan Jones instead, but Juric claims he has kept close tabs since.

This will be Juric's first managerial job outside of Italy and he will take charge of his first match when Saints host West Ham United on Boxing Day.

Addressing his move, Juric said: "About Southampton, it was like a little bit of my dream, the Southampton opportunity - and life is short.

"I want to try new things. I want to see the other way of working and put myself in a difficult situation and that's it. I'm delighted to be here.

"The Premiership is the best league in the world and I think it's a great opportunity to see the best players, stadiums, everything.

"I had some contact two years ago and it was the first time I started thinking about Southampton, this time I was the coach of Torino and stayed there.

"I always like thinking about them and watching a lot of games, and last year I was very interested about Southampton and everything.

"I know lots of players because of that, two years ago I was watching a lot and last year a little bit, this year I was watching and it was my wish to come here."

Juric added: "I was watching all the games this year, I know a lot and I saw some good things and maybe some bad things. I think the team has potential.

"The team can do much better than they are doing now and that's one of the reasons why I'm here because I'm very optimistic.

"We can do it better, they can play better and it was a game where I saw the talent. I think we can be better, improve ourselves and start to make points."

Juric has penned an 18-month contract at Saints and is tasked with making the side more solid and difficult to beat in the face of Premier League opposition.

He will first look to solve the team's defensive issues, which had seen them leak 36 goals in 16 league matches under former boss Russell Martin.