The Premier League has just welcomed a new era with the appointment of Ivan Juric as the head coach of Southampton Football Club. Juric aims to steer the club back on course after a challenging start to the season, where they currently find themselves at the very bottom of the league table. With only 6 points to their name, the stakes are high, and the team must rally to improve their standing and performance in the upcoming matches.

During his inaugural press conference, Juric shared his unique perspective on football by drawing parallels between his love for death metal music and his tactical approach. He stated, “When I was young, I liked death metal music a lot, and it’s something my style of football is a lot like,” illustrating his commitment to a high-pressing style of play. This intriguing connection between music and sport highlights his passion and provides fans with insight into his coaching philosophy.

Though he admits to softening with age, Juric still holds a fondness for metal, saying, “Now [I’m] a little bit less [of a death metal fan], I’m a little bit soft now. But it’s always in my head now, good metal music.” This blend of aggression and strategy reflects his approach to coaching, which may invigorate the players and fans alike.

Having signed an 18-month contract, Juric steps in to replace Russell Martin at Southampton. With the team currently struggling at the bottom of the Premier League standings, they must work hard to gain ground on teams like Wolverhampton and Ipswich Town, who are both sitting at 12 points this season. The urgency for improvement is palpable, and fans are eager to see how Juric will implement his vision on the pitch.

For those interested in Juric’s initial thoughts and strategies, his opening press conference can be viewed on the Southampton FC YouTube channel below.

Watch Ivan Juric’s First Press Conference as Southampton’s New Manager

Insights from Ivan Juric on His Passion for Death Metal Music

Juric’s passion for metal music is not a new revelation; he has previously discussed this interest in various interviews. When a reporter inquired about his interests outside football, attempting to steer the conversation towards golf, Juric humorously expressed his disinterest, stating, “I’m not a golf man, it’s not the game for me … I’m a little more aggressive.” This comment underscores his competitive nature and dedication to his role as a coach, emphasizing the importance of hard work and understanding the challenges ahead.

In a past interview with the Italian edition of Rolling Stone, he elaborated on his musical journey, revealing, “I started at 14 years old with Metallica and Megadeth, then I moved on to more aggressive things. Death metal is my passion, bands like Napalm Death, Obituary, and Carcass.” This insight into his musical background not only enriches his character but also connects well with fans who appreciate the intensity and dedication of both sports and music.

READ MORE: The 27 Best Death Metal Albums of 2024

If Juric is searching for players with a fierce competitive spirit, he might take inspiration from the band Sanguisugabogg, who famously engage their fans by tossing a football into the pit at their concerts, offering a unique prize for the lucky fan who emerges with it. This kind of energetic environment could reflect the type of atmosphere Juric is looking to cultivate within the team.

Additionally, the Premier League features other clubs like Aston Villa, who have received a boost from their hometown rock legends Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler. This reflects the deep-rooted connections between music and sports, particularly in the UK, where fans often celebrate both with great enthusiasm.

The Southampton Saints are set to kick off their first match under Juric’s leadership on Boxing Day at their home ground, St. Mary’s Stadium, against West Ham. The anticipation is building as supporters hope for a revitalizing performance from their team.