Sources: Nathan Jones at odds with Southampton stars over formation change
Nathan Jones is at odds with senior Southampton stars over a planned change of formation, sources have told Football Insider.
The recently-appointed Saints boss wants the team to change to a new system with three centre-backs.
But the Southampton players are resisting the tactical switch-up and have made it clear they want to stick to an orthodox back four.
The friction between manager and players can be revealed following the 3-1 home Boxing Day defeat to Brighton at St Mary’s Stadium.
Southampton set up in a 4-2-3-1 for what was Jones’ second match in charge – following a six-week gap from his first, a 3-1 reverse at Liverpool.
The latest defeat leaves the Saints bottom of the Premier League table and fighting to avoid relegation in the second half of the campaign.
Speaking to club media post-match, Jones lamented his side’s “poor” display and suggested his players “weren’t brave enough” to implement what they had worked on in training.
The friction over the change in shape comes as Southampton face a make-or-break run of fixtures which could be crucial to them surviving the drop this season.
Jones’ side face Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Aston Villa, and Brentford in their next five Premier League outings.
Ralph Hasenhuttl, the previous incumbent at St Mary’s, started this season using a 3-5-2 system after working on it during pre-season games.
The Austrian scrapped the three-man defence just two league games into the campaign but was powerless to avoid the sack in November.
Jones’ appointment has been called into question by fans and pundits alike due to his lack of experience at the top-flight level.
Football Insider revealed last month (18 November) that Southampton recruitment guru Rasmus Ankersen tried to lure the Welshman when he was at Brentford and is a long-term admirer of the former Luton boss.
The south coast club are back in action against Fulham on Saturday (31 December).
In other news, Football Insider updates on Premier League giants signing Jorginho after offer made.