Southampton boss Ivan Juric has been speaking ahead of his rock-bottom side's trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool
Ivan Juric is under increasing pressure as Southampton boss ahead of the Premier League visit to take on Liverpool at Anfield
Ivan Juric is under increasing pressure as Southampton boss ahead of the Premier League visit to take on Liverpool at Anfield(Image: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.)
Southampton boss Ivan Juric insists it is not mission impossible as the Premier League basement boys prepare to face leaders Liverpool at Anfield. Saturday's fixture is a meeting of sides lying 13 points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table and 13 clear at the top.
The Saints are on just nine points, having lost all but five of their 27 games in a miserable campaign.
"It's never mission impossible," Juric said at his pre-match press conference. "We will try to do our best and we will see.
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"Before the match, I'm always optimistic and then after, maybe I think differently. But before the match, I always see the possibility of doing something good."
He added of Arne Slot's table-topping Liverpool team: "When you play against Liverpool, sometimes it's the way you want to die.
"If you do some things, they will find another way to beat you. If you are low block, they will find a way to beat you. I think we have to be perfect in both things. Sometimes press, sometimes low block. We will see. We have to play well."
Southampton have been beaten in nine of 10 league matches under Juric following his December appointment as successor to Russell Martin on an 18-month deal.
But reports have suggested that the Croatian could soon be replaced. And his response to being asked about that was to say "it's normal for every manager", adding: "When you have a result, everything is good. When you don't have a result, you have doubts, or the club has doubts. It's a normal situation. I'm used to it. For every manager, it's like this, nothing special."
Juric was also asked what he would say to Saints n fans who might want a change now, and he replied: "I have nothing to say. I just think that they are great. They are great fans."
"I never saw things like this. You are at the bottom of the table. They support us. They are optimistic, positive and everything. I can just say thank you to all of them. Nothing else."
After winning 2-1 at Ipswich Town at the start of February, Southampton have subsequently been beaten 3-1 at St Mary's by Bournemouth, then lost 4-0 there to Brighton & HOve Albion, and at Chelsea.
"I think there are a few managers who have been in this situation, like I am now, with nine points and only 11 games until the end. Personally, it's not easy," Juric said.
"You have to be tough and try to work with the guys. Be close to them. They understand they are young. This is the moment of growing up. This is the moment they have to remember in the future. They have to become tough in this moment.
"I have to be tough. I have to think that something good can happen in these bad times. And I'm focused on that."