SOUTHAMPTON boss Ivan Juric says that he is optimistic ahead of clash away to league-leaders Liverpool despite 58 point difference.
The juxtaposition in Southampton and Liverpool’s seasons could not get much bigger. The Saints sit bottom of the league on nine points, two fewer than Derby County achieved in the 2007/08 season – the record for the lowest points tally to-date.
As well as being on course for this unwanted record, manager Ivan Juric has already picked one up himself. Out of the managers who have coached 10 league games or more, his record of nine defeats in 10 games is the worst the Premier League has seen.
In contrast, Arne Slot is enjoying a stellar debut campaign in English football, with his side 13 points clear at the top of the league, as well as finishing top of the Champions League group phase, and having a League Cup Final to look forward to next weekend.
Despite the glaring difference in performances and severe lack of hope from Saints fans, Juric remains rather optimistic ahead of the clash.
He said: “Liverpool really are the best this year. The difference of 13 points between them and Arsenal is true because they play good football, so we know it will be very tough.
“But it is never mission impossible. We will try to do our best and we will see.
“Before the match I am always optimistic , after the game maybe I think differently. But before the game, I see the possibilities to do something good.”
The Anfield factor
There are not many harder places to visit than Anfield, with Nottingham Forest the only team to beat Liverpool this season and handing them only their third defeat at home in as many seasons.
This is something the Croat recognised during his press conference, with Juric understanding just how good his side are going to have to be to come home with anything.
He said: “When you play against Liverpool, sometimes you just want to die. If you do certain things they will find a way to beat you, if you play a low-block they will find a way to beat you, so we have to be perfect in everything.
“Sometimes press, sometimes low-block and we will see, but we have to play good.
“We also have to grow up. We are not an experienced team, we have seven or eight really good young players, so they have to work hard with the older ones, fight for the club, and that is our aim and goal.
“I always imagined [going to Anfield] in a better situation and a more enjoyable one, but it is huge to go there. The crowd singing before the match, I really think it will be a great experience for me.”
