Southampton manager Russell Martin deserves credit for adapting Southampton's playing style during their promotion-winning season, says BBC Radio Solent sports editor Adam Blackmore.
Martin's first season in charge ended with the Saints returning to the Premier League at the first attempt, via the Championship play-offs.
“He's adapted better than people think,” Blackmore said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Nightclub when asked how Martin's possession-based style of play would work in the top flight.
“We've seen him change his style of play over the past few months and he's certainly learned. Whether it's playing up top in a 4-3-3 formation using the speed of the wingers or keeping the ball and passing when Che Adams is playing, he's ready to go.”
“He hasn't always played out of his own half as people would say. In recent weeks he has used 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 formations to help him win the Championship play-off final.”
“He said to me on Sunday: 'We have adapted. We don't deviate from our principles but we need to adapt'. I commented that he must be happy because he has shown there is a Plan B. I think earlier he would have said: 'If Plan A doesn't work, Plan A is better'.”
“He now realises he has to adapt. He's learning on the job and I think it's great to see that in a young English coach.”
You can watch full episodes of Monday Night Club on BBC iPlayer or listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds.
