Pre season as a fan is odd. Are results important?
Starting the Russell Martin era against Champions of Portugal, UCL quarter finalists, realistically the result is secondary.
If we take that conclusion, then what does matter? Since December 2018 under Ralph Hassenhuttl, Southamptons style has been oriented towards out-of-possession strategies such as pressing triggers and rest defence. Now, as a Championship side, the appointment of Russell Martin is designed towards overhauling that style and implementing possession based football. The players demonstrating an understanding of new tactical concepts is important within pre season games.
Against Benfica, Southampton outlined their new identity.
The lineup for the behind closed doors encounter, at face value featured four recognised defenders, five players you’d consider as midfielders and a striker. 4-5-1? Not really. The positions of which certain players took up is more interesting to analyse than assigning a formation template.
Inverted fullbacks are something you’d associated with the “elite” clubs, watching Southampton do such will definitely take some getting used to, previously full backs provided the width for Ralph’s sides. The first half saw a Guardiola style inversion - the left back stepping into midfield. Young Jayden Meghoma playing in this role in the first half. He, alongside JWP, forming the base of the box midfield that Martin likes to adopt.
At top of the box, Alcaraz and Doyle. The Argentine left of centre, Doyle to the right. RM, in his coaching masterclass video, spoke about connections on the pitch, the “box” best demonstrates this, Alcaraz & Doyle dropping to exchange passes with Meghoma or JWP. Meghoma and Alcaraz in particular with 1-2s in the middle third of the pitch to help drive Southampton up the pitch.
The front three; Dibling wide left, Amo-Ameyaw wide right & Mara through the middle.
Behind this, Lyanco, Stephens and Bree. Bree on occasion advancing forward but not with the regularity KWP or Tino have done over the last few seasons. Lyanco & Stephens as the “2” in RMs preferred 2-3-2-3 shape, notably electing to hold onto the ball than rush a pass.
Despite losing the first half 2-0, the principles of RM-ball are there. A box midfield with the two “10s” - Alcaraz and Doyle - dropping deep to receive the ball and hopefully draw our opposition defenders. An inverted full back in Meghoma joining the midfield. Wingers staying wide and, in particular Sam Amo-Ameyaw, driving towards the box. The centre backs anchoring the structure, RM’s 2-3-2-3 visible to see.
Tactically this is what we saw throughout the match. Second half XI saw ten personnel changes - 21 used in total - yet tactically Saints persevered. Slight tweak in relation to the inverted full back. A Klopp style inversion with the right back, now Tino, adding to the midfield.
No further score for either side in the second half.
Aside from two blocked shots from outside the box - Adams & Tino - and Djenpro having a shot well smothered by the Benfica keeper after dropping a cross Saints offered little in the final third throughout the half and really the match in general.
The key takeaway from this match was Saints are implementing a brand new style of play which as a fan will take some getting used to.
Following on from Benfica, Saints travelled to Turkey for the Sport Republic Classico against Goztepe. Both sides under the Sport Republic umbrella residing in the second division of their respective countries. A B-List multi club catalogue.
Cynically this friendly acts as a show piece for the ownership however the defensive low block utilised by the Turkish side is common in the Championship. A good test for Southampton.
What won’t be common in the Championship is the heat experienced in Istanbul. Upwards of 30’C, doubt it will be that hot at Hillsborough in two weeks time.
The heat impacting the performance, Saints looking more lethargic understandably so. Structurally & tactically Southampton continued with their new approach.
The toothless criticism remains, outside the box JWP forcing a fine save out of Mateusz Liz (yes the very same) in the only attempt of note in the half for Southampton. Goztepe in contrast scoring as Bazunu beaten at his near post having anticipated a cross that turned into a shot.
Second half saw greater attacking intent from Southampton. Sekou Mara meandering into the penalty area, drawing a foul and a spot kick.
The less said about the following penalty, the better.
The equaliser did though come minutes later. The first goal this pre season, of course, courtesy of Alcaraz. A left footed volley inside the area as the ball bounced around after Bednarek’s near post flick form Kamari Doyle’s corner. Alcaraz’s first goal not scored with his right foot for the club.
Sam Amo-Ameyaw with the final attempt of note for the Saints. Aribo swept the ball out wide for the teenager to drive at the Goztepe back line, after some quick feet and trickery he poked his shot agonisingly wide of the post. Amo-Ameyaw driving at defenders is exciting, it’s raw, it’s got that ‘va va boom’ about it. What could his season bring?
Full time 1-1. One loss and one draw so far this pre season with clashes against Reading, Bournemouth and AZ Alkmaar to go.
To return to the start, do we NEED to win any of these? Possibly yes for the sake of momentum and belief that winning can bring. Equally, no not necessarily. The understanding of the new style is far more important as results will follow on from this.
Personally I’d much rather beat Sheffield Wednesday than Reading.
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