New Southampton manager Ivan Juric says his side are capable of “something exceptional” in their fight against relegation from the Premier League.

The Saints head into Christmas bottom of the table with six points, half a dozen behind Ipswich in 19th and eight from safety.

Only four teams have retained their place in the same position on December 25 in 32 Premier League seasons – although West Brom (2004-05), Sunderland (2013-14), Leicester (2014-15) and Wolves (2022-23) had all gained 10 points at the same stage.

“It will be very difficult work and I know in history no one has stayed in the Premiership in this situation, but I think there are a lot of good players, and we need to (be) much better at times of the match,” Juric said.

“I’m optimistic. I’m really optimistic. Even the other day I saw their mentality and this is the first step to do better. I think we can do something exceptional. The guys have to be very motivated to do something that no one has ever done.”

The Croatian, who has signed an 18-month contract at St Mary’s, was in the stands for Sunday’s goalless draw against Fulham while awaiting a work permit.

However, the 49-year-old, who has also managed Genoa, Verona and Roma, will take charge for the first time when Southampton host West Ham on Boxing Day.

“It was a bit of a dream, the Southampton opportunity,” he added. “I thought life is short, I want to try new things and I want to travel to a different way of working, put myself in a difficult situation, and that’s it.

“They (the players) don’t know me but I know them. I said I believe in them, that they have quality, that they can do it. Be positive, work hard and anything is possible. “

Asked about his preference for heavy metal music and whether that reflected his tactical approach as a manager, Juric added: “When I was young, I really liked death metal music, and that’s something I think that my style of football looks like.

“Work hard, press hard, play well, be intense, all that. I think (the players) can do it.

“They are young, they are positive, they want to work hard. It’s not easy to change your style immediately, but you have to be smart.