**Southampton vs West Ham preview**
Southampton’s new boss Ivan Jurić has vowed to implement his high-pressing style when the Saints host West Ham United on Boxing Day in a crucial [Premier League](https://www.claretandhugh.info/premier-league-bio/) encounter on the South Coast.
The 49-year-old Croatian was in the stands on Sunday as his side managed a 1-1 draw against Fulham. While the result still leaves Southampton eight points from safety, Jurić struck an optimistic tone ahead of his managerial debut.
“It’s a tough challenge, and no one has ever survived in this situation before, but I believe we can achieve something exceptional,” Jurić said. “I saw the mentality in the Fulham game, and that’s the first step. What I want is for my team to be competitive and motivated in every game.”
Jurić, known for his high-pressing tactics with Torino and Verona, added: “My style is similar to Atalanta’s. We press high, and I want to see a solid, competitive team.”
14th placed West Ham might have approached this match with confidence, given Southampton’s struggles. However, we were humbled by Leicester City’s ‘new manager bounce’ earlier in the season, losing 3-1 to a side that has since faltered.
Southampton’s spirited draw with Fulham, meanwhile, will give them hope of upsetting a **West Ham** side prone to defensive lapses and requiring heroics to keep the goal tally down.
Suffice to say, I’m far less optimistic about playing the worst team in the EPL than I should be and Jurićs’ war-cry will no doubt elevate Saints performance levels.