Southampton's fate in the Premier League has been sealed following a disheartening 3-1 defeat against Tottenham, confirming their relegation with seven matches still remaining in the season. This marks a historic low for the club, as they become the first team in Premier League history to be relegated with so many games left to play. Manager Ivan Juric acknowledged the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need to avoid being labeled as the worst team in Premier League history, a title currently held by Derby County from the 2007-08 season.

Juric, who took over the managerial role in December, has struggled to turn around the club's fortunes, with only one win in his 14 league games. Southampton's dismal performance this season has seen them accumulate just 10 points after 31 matches, matching the total of Derby County's infamous campaign. Juric expressed a sense of urgency, stating, "We have to avoid that record, do our best. It cannot happen." He is keen on using this challenging experience as a catalyst for building a stronger team in the future.

The situation is compounded by the fact that Southampton's squad has faced numerous challenges, including injuries and a lack of scoring power, having conceded 74 goals this season— the most in the league. The players, including goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, are determined to gather as many points as possible in the remaining games to escape the negative record. Ramsdale noted the emotional impact on younger players experiencing relegation for the first time and emphasized the importance of unity as they navigate this difficult period.

As Southampton prepares for life in the Championship, both Juric and the players understand the need for significant changes within the club. With a focus on learning from their mistakes and improving for the future, the hope remains that they can rebuild and return stronger to the Premier League.