Southampton manager Russell Martin says his team must “accept the challenge” of playing their style of football in the Premier League next season.
The Saints won promotion to the top division at the first attempt with a 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the Championship play-off final on Sunday.
Martin has come under heavy criticism for his possession-focused mantra during the Championship season, particularly as Saints got off to a slow start.
“We know you don't win games by having the ball,” Martin said after the Wembley victory.
“But I really believe it’s the vehicle that gives us the best opportunity to be the best version of ourselves.
“If I win this way, to me that's the best way. It's not about right or wrong, it's just the best.”
Southampton finished the Championship season in fourth place, beating West Bromwich Albion in two games and then Leeds in the final.
As the season progressed, St Mary's players became accustomed to their head coach's style and went on to a club record 25 games unbeaten.
Martin will take on a first-time Premier League manager next season after managing League One side MK Dons until the 2019-20 season.
In fact, prior to this season his highest finish as a manager was 10th with second-tier Swansea last year.
“I'm really touched and overwhelmed by the support I've received over the last nine or 10 months, particularly during these tough times,” Martin told Sky Sports.
“For them [Southampton] They gave me the job in the first place because they felt they had to do this to justify and justify it. So I'm very happy because this was not an exciting appointment for them. It was a really courageous thing for them to hire me.”
Come August, Martin will be faced with the task of thwarting some of the most talented teams in world football, with trips to the Etihad Stadium, Anfield and Emirates Stadium.
“It's up to us to prove ourselves in the Premier League next season,” added the 38-year-old, who previously played in the top flight with Norwich City.
“This style is what myself and the players believe in, I'm not going to change it and I love what I do.”
“We need to rise to this challenge without losing sight of who we are.”
Martin needs praise – Tessem
Former Southampton midfielder Joe Tessem said Martin deserved credit for winning promotion in his first full season at St Mary's.
Tessem, a specialist Southampton summariser for BBC Radio Solent, made 130 appearances for the club between 1999 and 2004, scoring 16 goals.
“You have to give credit to Martin,” Tessem told BBC Sport.
“He brought a new style of football and formations to Southampton and the players learned it and improved as the season went on.”
“He perfectly utilized his style of football for the players on his team.”
However, Tessem feels Martin's style will need some tweaks next season.
In 46 Championship games this season, the Saints have conceded 63 goals.
However, defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis is set to sign permanently for £20 million, while on-loan West Ham midfielder Flynn Downes is also one player Southampton are hoping to keep.
“Martin will need to be a bit smarter in his style next season,” Tessem added.
“It all depends on the type of players he can get for the Premier League, but the situation with the players at the club is very good.”
“They can then see which players will be suitable for next season. They need to see if the current players are good enough and which players they can add to the squad to make the Saints even stronger.”
Meanwhile, former Southampton defender Francis Benali praised Martin for the “fantastic job” he has done.
Benali made more than 300 appearances for the club and was granted permission to leave the city in 2016.
“There's a real identity to the way the team plays,” he told the Football Daily 72+ podcast.
“Saints have been exciting to watch this season and the majority of supporters love the bond he has with the supporters, staff and team.”
“It’s a really positive attitude and we expect him to be here for many years to come.
“If anything, I'm a little worried that he's been doing so well. We know that very well and Southampton have been in a similar situation before. Whether you have a top player or a top manager, other clubs start to take an interest in what they're doing.”
Listen to the Southampton FC Podcast on BBC Radio Solent
Martin's style “brings the progress that all fans crave.”
However, Martin's possession-focused style of football was not necessarily well-received at his previous club.
He won 30 of his 80 games in charge at MK Dons, finishing 19th and 13th in League One, before finishing 15th and 10th in the Championship in his time at Swansea with a record of 36 wins and 36 losses.
Swans fans are used to seeing the team play with confidence under Roberto Martinez, Brendan Rodgers, Michael Laudrup and Graham Potter, and they had reached the Championship play-off final under Steve Cooper just before Martin arrived.
BBC Wales football reporter Rob Phillips said Martin had “divided fans” in south Wales but that promotion with the Saints had vindicated his methods.
“He has finally proven that success can be achieved by diligently adhering to the principles of possession-based football,” Phillips added.
“At Swansea City, followers of his method would have enjoyed his style of passing and the joy it brought when it worked.
“Agnostics enjoyed the show at times, but made no mention of the end result — promotions and winning trophies.”
“Southampton's victory, although certainly with more resources than he had at the Swans, vindicated his belief and showed that Martin's style of 'total football' can deliver the progress that all fans crave.”
“Now the Martin Method faces the ultimate test in the Premier League.”
