Ivan Juric: Southampton Players Improving Despite Losses

Southampton manager Ivan Juric remains optimistic about his team's chances of turning their season around, despite a string of losses. Get the latest updates on the Saints' fortunes.

Southampton manager Ivan Juric has spoken ahead of this weekend's clash with Ipswich Town, addressing team news and the challenges facing his side. When asked about the availability of his players, Juric stated, “Kamaldeen (Sulemana) and (Taylor) Dibling have been in training today with us and they will be with us. We had a problem with Fraser and Nathan Wood, not big ones but they will be out for this game.”

Ivan Juric provided a positive update on the fitness of several players, including Taylor Dibling, who has recovered from his injury. “(Dibling) has recovered already, he did all the training. He's ready.” Aaron Ramsdale is also nearing a return, with Juric saying, “Aaron Ramsdale did one part of the training, tomorrow I think he will be OK.” Additionally, Jack Stephens has made a successful return to training, with Juric expressing his happiness at having the player back.

When asked if he feels opportunities are running out to mount a survival comeback, Juric remained optimistic. “No, I have a feeling that we are improving, that we need some positive situation. I think if we win the game against Ipswich, it will be huge for us. (We will) have lots of confidence and then we can do good things.”

Juric was also questioned about motivation amongst the squad and how he keeps morale up during a difficult season. “It's really stupid to say, but I feel that we are growing, that we are creating something important. We've changed lots of things in the way of working and everything. I saw lots of players that were really motivated. I was very happy, not happy, but very pleased.” He added, “They play against Newcastle and they do lots of good things. I think we just have to keep working and try to win the games. I think we need something positive to happen.”

Ivan Jurić has issued an extensive squad update ahead of Saturday's #PL clash ⤵️

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Continuing on the theme of motivation, Ivan Juric was asked whether the numerous losses suffered by Southampton are taking a toll on the team. Juric responded, “It cannot be. I think the players are improving. It's tough to say. We are getting better, but we are losing the game. But I see they are feeling that we are getting better, that we are improving. This week for me was very positive. I really hope that we can win one game, and then we can have more confidence for the next game. But they are still inside.”

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Ivan Jurić previews our trip to Ipswich:

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Juric also provided an update on Albert Gronbaek's availability for the upcoming match against Ipswich Town. “He did a good week. He's an interesting player, a very interesting player in attack because he's quick, very good technique, and he did a very good week. Maybe even he can play.”

Despite the challenges faced by Southampton, Juric remains positive about his squad's desire to win and reports that team spirits are high. “We're really good. We've worked really hard. I think that the guys, every day, they're improving a little bit more, and I'm very confident for the match against Ipswich.”