Southampton boss Ivan Juric Southampton boss Ivan Juric

New Southampton boss Ivan Juric was pleased with how his players adapted to his methods despite their 1-0 defeat at home to West Ham. (More Football News)

Though the home side dominated the match for long periods, particularly during the first half, Jarrod Bowen's goal was enough to consign the bottom-placed team in the Premier League to yet another defeat.

Southampton are now nine points adrift of safety following Wolves' 2-0 victory over Manchester United, but Juric wants to remain optimistic about his side going forward, believing they were superior to West Ham.

In his post-match press conference, he said: "I'm disappointed in the result for the players because, in a few days of working, they're doing things very well.

"It's a pity we lost this game. We were better than West Ham, we have to be positive.

"We saw today a different Southampton, with ideas, with high pressure, with rhythm. We created chances, shot on goals, I liked lots of things.

BY Outlook Sports Desk

"I think the players have to believe it and keep going like this."

The thoughts of new #SaintsFC boss Ivan Jurić on his first match in charge:

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 26, 2024

Meanwhile, West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has confirmed that Lukasz Fabianski is conscious after being involved in a heavy collision during the first half.

The Polish veteran collided with defender Nathan Wood from a corner and needed treatment for over eight minutes before being carried off.

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"Lukasz is conscious, I talked with him," said Lopetegui to BBC Sport.

"Max Kilman has a problem with his shoulder, Carlos Soler has a problem with his knee. Today we have a lot of problems. But we were able to overcome these difficulties."

West Ham have now gone four matches unbeaten under Lopetegui, their best run of the season, but the Spaniard believes there's still a lot more to come from his side.

He said: "We don't change our way to work. The players have the commitment to work together as a team.

"We know we can do better and we want to win more matches."hola play