Ivan Juric praises West Ham but issues a stern warning from...

In the lead-up to Southampton’s Premier League match against West Ham United this week, new manager Ivan

Juric has given the Hammers a severe warning. Juric has had a busy week and, given the Premier League’s hectic

schedule at this time of year, he has likely worked harder than ever at the end of December. Nevertheless, he still gets

to lead his first Premier League match. His first match as Southampton’s manager is scheduled for Boxing Day, when

the Saints host the Hammers at St Mary’s Stadium.Ivan Juric praises West Ham but issues a stern warning from Southampton

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, 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, 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.

Ivan Juric praises West Ham but issues a stern warning from Southampton