**This week, Southampton host West Ham United in the Premier League. New manager Ivan Juric has given the Hammers a stern warning before his first game.**
Ivan Juric has had a pretty action-packed week. Given the congestive fixture schedule in the Premier League around this time of the year, he's probably worked more than he ever has at the tail-end of December.
Yet, he remains to experience the privilege of leading his first Premier League game. His first match in charge of Southampton is pencilled in for Boxing Day, when the Saints welcome the Hammers to St Marys Stadium.
In the buildup to the match, Juric has given his honest pre-assessment of both teams and their chances.
Speaking to the media, Ivan Juric revealed he has a lot of respect for West Ham. He compared the Hammers to their London rivals Fulham in the way that they play their football. However, he will not be as kind with his tactics, as he believes Southampton can win this match.
In his [own words](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_WUPE6hRRY&t=269s), Juric said: "We already analysed a little bit of West Ham. In some way, it's similar like Fulham - Very good players, very fast players. But I believe Southampton can do a good game and that we can win."
So far this season, it's been hard for Southampton fans to feel confident heading into matches. However, Juric is not concerned with the state of Southampton before he joined. In his mind, he wants to change the way fans feel by changing the way his players play.
Ivan Juric has already made clear the style of football he wants to bring to Southampton. He explained [his approach as similar to Atalanta](https://saintsmarching.com/ivan-juric-addresses-his-obsession-promises-one-thing-southampton), in that he expects his players to press-high and play with plenty of pace.
It's good to hear that Juric has been hard at word, already analysing West Ham United before his first game. Of course, he was in the crowd to watch Southampton take a point away from Craven Cottage, so he is in the right place to draw comparisons between West Ham and Fulham.
Perhaps unlike Fulham, West Ham will be there for the taking. The Hammers are having a shaky season and the confidence is low under Julen Lopetegui. As a respectful manager, Juric will not admit to this but he must approach this game with an eagerness to capitalise on West Ham's shakiness.
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