Southampton Manager Ivan Juric watched on from the stand as his new side secured a 0-0 draw at _(Image: Ben Whitley/PA)_
INTERIM boss Simon Rusk is "really pleased" Saints have appointed Ivan Juric and hopes to "build a good relationship" with the Croatian.
Rusk, 43, took charge of Southampton's 0-0 draw at Fulham, helping them secure only their second away point of the season.
They had goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to thank after a top save on Harry Wilson while substitute Adama Traore rolled wide.
Former Roma and Torino boss Juric was in the stands at Craven Cottage due to not getting a work permit in time for the 2pm kick-off.
The 49 year old was vocal and could be heard shouting down to his new players from a seat alongside the analysts.
Rusk claimed Juric and his staff had little dialogue with the interim coaching group having only arrived officially the day prior.
Interim Saints boss Simon Rusk. _(Image: PA)_ He told the Daily Echo: "I had a little bit of contact with Ivan. We had a conversation in the lead-up to the game, really pleased that the club have made that appointment.
"Now everyone can be clear on what it is and what it looks like. Of course, we've had a bit of dialogue and I think over the coming weeks we'll see Ivan's influence on the group.
"His identity will come out in the team and that will develop naturally with time. It was only an introduction.
"When you're speaking to someone on the phone there's a certain level of information you're going to get.
"He's very supportive and he wished me luck with the game really. I'm looking forward to meeting him and hopefully building a good relationship."
Asked if his conversation with Juric influenced Southampton's tactical approach at Fulham, Rusk said: "Not particularly. I've had quite a lot going on the last couple of days.
"Of course, we'll be sitting down soon and talking, hopefully, about what his identity is and always opportunities for me to learn.
"It's always been the nature of my career, working with new coaches and new people within the game brings new ideas and enhances your learning, selfishly.
"I'm looking forward to that and it was just more about encouragement, preparing the team as best I can."