Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters has explained how eager Russell Martin is that the players stick fearlessly to his style.
The former Swansea boss, Russell Martin has ushered a new style of football into St Mary’s during his first nine Championship games in charge.
Martin aims to have a possession rich style which prioritises ball retention but also risk taking in possession to create chances which also includes playing out from the back.
Southampton had come under fire in the last few weeks though after four successive losses due to multiple mistakes.
However last weekend they bounced back with a 3-1 win over Leeds United. Now, Saints defender Kyle Walker-Peters has opened up on life working under Martin.
Walker-Peters on Martin
As reported in the Daily Echo, Walker-Peters has discussed the advice Martin has given to the players.
“I definitely think Russell is a lot more extreme in terms of playing out from the back at all times and domination of the football, but I don’t think it’s too big a difference,” he told club media.
“I think it’s just about having that bravery because we are going to make mistakes. Fans need to be prepared for that because we are playing high-risk football, but when it does work, it’s wonderful, and we did show that in the first three games.
“The manager has been great. I said it to some of the boys after the last game, we’ve got a manager who trusts us immensely.
“He’s said to us, ‘Go out, do what I said, it’s high risk but if you make a mistake, I’ll be the one in the press taking the blame,’ so there’s nothing to be afraid of. I think we need to get rid of that fear, and really go and play our stuff.
“It’s a transition in terms of that side, the mentality, but we’re all good footballers and we all know the style, and it’s something we’re enjoying.”
Walker-Peters added: “I think the style – and Russell keeps telling me this – suits me perfectly, being an inverted full-back and having a bit of freedom to almost do what I want.
“The manager has been great with me. He trusts me immensely, so I’m enjoying it. I think I’m performing well and I think a lot of my individual stats are showing that – dribbles, passes, distance carried with the ball, etc.
“It’s only truly fun when you’re winning. Being on the ball for the majority of the game is great, but we need to turn that into wins.”