Saints can achieve ´something exceptional´ in relegation battle, says Juric

Ivan Juric insists Southampton can survive Premier League relegation after he replaced Russell Martin as the club’s manager earlier this week.

Juric started the campaign in charge of Serie A side Roma, but was sacked after just 12 games in charge, having won just four games in all competitions (D3 L5).

The Croatian, who has signed an 18-month contract at St Mary’s, was in the stands for Sunday’s goalless draw with Fulham while awaiting a work permit.

That point kept Saints bottom of the Premier League with just six points from their opening 17 fixtures, winning just once this season against Everton at the start of November.

Southampton have also failed to score in any of their last three Premier League games, though they did record just their second clean sheet of the season against Fulham.

Saints haven’t had a longer run without a league goal since a run of five games between September and October 2018, with West Ham Juric’s first assignment on Boxing Day.

However, he remains optimistic about keeping Southampton in the top-flight this season, but acknowledged the task that lies ahead of him.

“It will be a very tough job and I know that nobody in history has stayed in the league in this situation, but I am optimistic,” he said at today’s unveiling.

“Even the other day, I saw the mentality and this is the first step to doing better. I think we can do something exceptional, but the players have to be very motivated to do something that has never been done before.

“I use a high pressure style and what I want from my team is to be very competitive and solid, but the first thing I want is to be competitive every game.”

Meeting the media pic.twitter.com/Q65aECoVJZ

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 23, 2024

Juric had only previously managed in Italy before making the move to St Mary’s, taking charge of Mantova, Crotone, Genoa, Hellas Verona, Torino and Roma.

However, he did reveal that he had discussions with Southampton, and is relishing the opportunity of getting stuck into his first job in English football.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world and I think it is a great opportunity to see the best players and stadiums,” Juric added.

“I had contact a few years ago and that was the first time I started thinking about Southampton.

“I was very interested in Southampton and I know lots of players because I’ve been watching a lot. It was my wish to come here.

“I’ve watched all the games this year, I know a lot and have seen some good things but also some bad. I think the team has potential and can do much better.”

And Juric will be confident of making a winning start to his tenure on the South Coast, given Saints’ recent form the day after Christmas.

Southampton have lost just one of their last eight home league games played on Boxing Day (W5 D2), though that defeat did come in their last such match in the Premier League (1-3 v Brighton in 2022).