Southampton Boss Juric Calls for “Death-Metal” Style to Save Premier League Season

Southampton manager Ivan Juric believes his team can defy the odds and avoid relegation from the Premier League by adopting an aggressive “death-metal” style of play.

Juric, who replaced Russell Martin last week, watched his team draw 0-0 against Fulham on Sunday while awaiting his work permit. The result left Southampton at the bottom of the table with just six points, a historically low tally for a team seeking survival.

In his first media appearance ahead of Southampton’s Boxing Day clash with West Ham United, Juric expressed optimism about the team’s potential.
“I know it will be a very tough job, and I know that in history, nobody has stayed in the Premier League from this situation,” Juric told the club’s official website. “But I’m optimistic. I’ve seen a lot of good players here, and I believe we can be much better in critical moments.”

The Croatian manager highlighted the team’s mentality in their recent Fulham match, calling it “the first step” toward improvement. “I think we can do something exceptional. The guys have to be very motivated to achieve something no one else has.”

“Death-Metal” Football Philosophy

Juric compared his approach to football with the aggressive energy of death metal, a sub-genre of heavy metal. “Work hard, press hard, play good, be intense,” he said, emphasizing a high-pressing style of play.

While Juric admitted he no longer listens to death metal as frequently as he did in his youth, he drew inspiration from bands like Napalm Death, Obituary, and Carcass. “It’s a high-pressure style, even with possession. My team needs to be competitive, solid, and, over time, better in possession and attacking,” he explained.

Juric likened his approach to the “Atalanta style,” praising the Italian side’s aggressive tactics in matches against top teams like Arsenal and Liverpool. He also credited ex-Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa as an influence.

Managerial Experience and Upcoming Challenges

The 49-year-old Juric has signed an 18-month contract with Southampton. His previous managerial stints include Torino, Hellas Verona, and three separate terms at Genoa. Most recently, he managed Roma but left after 12 matches, with Claudio Ranieri stepping in as his replacement.

For his first match in charge on Boxing Day, Juric will welcome back Jack Stephens from suspension, bolstering the squad’s defense against West Ham United.

While the road ahead is steep, Juric’s determination and vision for an aggressive playing style aim to spark a turnaround for Southampton as they fight to stay in the Premier League.

Southampton’s recent performances have been challenging, with the team currently at the bottom of the Premier League table, having secured only six points from 17 matches.

Their recent 0-0 draw against Fulham marked a significant improvement in defensive solidity, providing a potential foundation for future success.

Looking ahead, Southampton faces West Ham United on Boxing Day, a crucial fixture that could influence their fight against relegation.

Implementing Juric’s high-intensity “death-metal” football philosophy may invigorate the squad, but the effectiveness of this approach will be tested in the upcoming matches.