'A great guy' – Southampton coach Juric hails Aribo but owns up to tactical blunder in Brighton defeat

Southampton head coach Ivan Juric has heaped praise on Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo for his adaptability and commitment but acknowledged making a tactical miscalculation in their 4-0 defeat to Brighton.

Aribo, a crucial figure in Southampton's battle against relegation, has recently been deployed as a makeshift left-sided defender due to an ongoing injury crisis at the back.

Despite his willingness to adapt, the Saints have suffered consecutive heavy losses, including the Brighton match and a similar 4-0 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Juric lauded Aribo's professionalism but admitted that his decision to field him in an unfamiliar defensive role contributed to the team's struggles.

"A great guy (Aribo). Against Ipswich, he did really well. He gave me the option to play him there and of course, he can do it one game or forty-five minutes, not every game," Juric told reporters.

Reflecting on the Brighton defeat, Juric took full responsibility for the tactical error, recognizing that it backfired.

"It was my bad decision against Brighton to put him again there, I don't want to change. The only thing I can say bad about myself is that I did wrong in that game."

Aribo has been a standout performer for the Saints, scoring three goals in 31 matches across all competitions.

However, his versatility remains an asset, as the team battles to escape relegation.

Aribo has been named in Nigeria's 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda's Wasps and Zimbabwe's Warriors. 

Adeyemi Adewale

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