Southampton's Ugochukwu admits feeling sorry for 'honest' Juric

Juric departed St Mary's last week, having won just once in the Premier League, following the confirmation of Southampton's relegation to the Championship.

Some media outlets have reported that the squad did not take kindly to Juric's honesty-first policy, but Ugochukwu took a different stance.

“I felt sorry for him. I felt like he was a great guy. The way he was with us players, he just told us the truth. It was good that he was honest," he told the Daily Echo.

“I think that’s what we needed — to know what we had to do to be better. It hurts because he is the one who gave me the chance to come back.

Lesley Ugochukwu enjoyed regular minutes under Ivan Juric. (Image: Richard Crease) READ MORE: 'Not helpful' - Rusk explains Onuachu sub and why Stewart didn't replace him

“It’s very difficult, but it’s part of the game. It’s from bad situations that you learn a lot. I wasn’t playing at the beginning of the season.

“I learned about mentality. Now that we are officially relegated, it’s difficult. I’m still young, and I need to put in the work tomorrow to not experience this same thing again."

Ugochukwu will return to parent club Chelsea at the end of the season but remains focused on avoiding a record-breaking low points tally at Saints.

Simon Rusk's side need to win two points from their remaining six games to surpass the 11 points Derby won in 2007/08, which is still a Premier League low.

They looked on course to secure a vital point against Aston Villa on Saturday after Aaron Ramsdale saved a penalty to keep it 0-0, yet they still managed to lose 3-0.

Lesley Ugochukwu has made 21 appearances for Southampton in the Premier League. (Image: Stuart Martin)

"In the first half, we fought very well. I saw us as a strong team. When Rambo saved the penalty, I thought we were even better," the Frenchman reflected.

"When we conceded the goal, it became very difficult. To finish the game with a 3-0 defeat, it's very painful. It's been a very difficult season.

"Now the mentality of the guys, and my mentality as well, is to not be the worst team in the Prem. We have to fight in every game and be as strong as we were in the first half.

"It's been difficult for the fans during this season. We have to give them what we deserve. We all have media, so we see what is going on.

"We just want to give back what the fans have given to us. I have never seen that for a relegated team. I just want to say thanks.

"We need to play without fear because that's football. We have it in our minds not to be the worst team in the Prem. That's the only thing we are thinking about."