Lallana takes on player-assistant manager role at Southampton

Ivan Juric was relieved of his duties after Southampton's dismal return to the Premier League culminated in relegation with seven matches still to play — the earliest top-flight drop in English football history.

The Croatian coach had been appointed in December in an attempt to halt the club's downward spiral, but managed just 10 points in 31 games. In the wake of Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Tottenham, assistant coach Simon Rusk has been handed interim managerial responsibilities for the remainder of the season.

Adam Lallana, who rejoined the Saints on a free transfer last summer, will now serve as his assistant while remaining available for selection as a player.

The 36-year-old midfielder previously made over 260 appearances for the club between 2006 and 2014 before moving on to Liverpool and later Brighton. Lallana and Rusk will lead the team in the dugout this weekend as Southampton host Aston Villa in what is set to be a challenging end to a disappointing campaign.