New Southampton manager Nathan Jones has indicated that he will look to build on the foundations laid down by Ralph Hasenhuttl at St Mary’s, telling Hampshire Live that he ‘loved’ the Austrian’s style of play.
This, it seems, is a classic case of ‘evolution, not revolution’.
As the former Luton Town boss himself explains, his appointment at Southampton is not an example of tearing the playbook piece from piece. The principles that underpinned Hasenhuttl’s best Southampton’s sides align neatly with those of his replacement; namely, an aggressive, high-tempo style based around rapid transitions and a colossal exertion of energy both on and off the ball.
“Nathan Jones’ teams certainly play with intensity, especially without the ball, and tend to attack quickly and directly as well. So I don’t think it’s a big removal from how Southampton play,” EFL expert Ali Maxwell says on the Not The Top 20 podcast.
“The 4-2-2-2 (Southampton prefer) is not a million miles away really (from how Jones likes to play).”
Nathan Jones set for Liverpool clash during Southampton debut
Saturday’s trip to an admittedly-inconsistent Liverpool side certainly has the vibe of a new head coach being thrown in at the deep end. There will be no dipping his toe into the Premier League waters for Nathan Jones.
But Southampton supporters should not expect too much of a deviation from Hasenhuttl’s tactical blueprint. At least, not immediately.
“The previous manager had an aggressive style, which I loved,” says Jones, who guided an unfancied Luton Town side from the depths of League Two to the Championship play-offs.
“It’s not about ripping (up the playbook up). We want to bring our own ideas too.”
Southampton are currently 18th; two places and two points off the bottom. Jones is pleased by how he has been received by the Saints squad, however, with the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Romain Perraud and co looking well-suited to the Welshman’s style of play.
“I think (the players’ reaction has been) really positive. I’ve not done anything groundbreaking. I addressed them and asked for a few key things,” Jones adds.
“We’ll build relationships. They won’t love me after a day. I left a group that knew I cared about them (at Luton) and dedicated my life to making them better. And that’s what I’ll do here.”
