What can we expect from Ronald Koeman as the new manager of Southampton?
Having lost their previous manager Mauricio Pochettino who was highly successful, along with three influential players who epitomised Southampton this summer already it may worry the fans. Fortunately they have hired a suitable and competent replacement in Ronald Koeman. In Koeman’s previous job he took charge of Feyenoord who had just lost young talents Luc Castaignos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Leroy Fer in a similar way the Saints have with Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana going Liverpool and Luke Shaw going Manchester United – but in the Dutch sides case they had finished 10th, which was unheard of for De club aan de Maas.
Within one season he took them 2nd, meaning a Champions League play-offs spot for the first time since 2003. Then missing out on the same position by goal difference for the next two seasons but then restored that second place during his forth year. Although this was a exceptional achievement surpassing his expectations and gaining the trust and support of the fans, despite playing and managing arch-rivals Ajax, because he brought pride back to the club despite poor financial backing, spending less than £4m over entire his spell with them, along with his development with their youth players.
The squad at his disposal
Now he has joined Southampton he is expected to apply similar ethics and will be allowed to, especially with their well renowned youth setup, bringing through a flurry of English talent. Only this time he will have the funds to operate with to place his mark on this side. Already adding to his squad two new signings in Graziano Pelle, a prolific forward in Holland who’s able to hold up play then lay it off due to his strength – similar to Lambert.
He’s also acquired tricky Serbian winger Dusan Tadic who could develop into an excellent player who is capable of scoring and creating with 16 goals and 14 assists from 33 games last year with Twente. I doubt he’ll stop there though and it’s likely that their dealings will continue right into the campaign, with the focus being on the Eredivisie. If the payers he brought in or the ones who operated under the now Tottenham manager Pochettino don’t perform they could expect criticism publicly in an attempt to motivate them and perform better. Although in England, players seem to be more sensitive and need looking after in the main so this could work against Koeman unless he adapts.
Tactical acumen
He’ll also bring a tactical alteration with new ideas and methods. This is displayed by the fact he’s the main reason as to why the Netherlands used the 3-5-2/5-3-2 system with offensive wing-backs in the World Cup. Although usually Koeman is expected to operate using a 4-3-3, with two wingers who will provide that adventurous attacking game that he strives for.
He also favours a high line with lots of midfield pressing, which is similar to Pochettino. For all his success so far as a coach he has had a poor away records loosing to teams such as ADO Den Haag, PEC Zwolle and RKC Waalwijk along with inconsistency meant he never really challenged Ajax in the league. Essentially he couldn't of asked for a more suited club in which to conduct and will be given time to mold this team by bringing through youth and using a significantly larger budget than he was handed before. I expect it to be a natural transition and for the Saints to raise their game this upcoming season.