THREAD

Southampton FC

After a truly impressive start to the season, much focus has been placed on Ralph Hasenhüttl & Southampton. Since arriving from RB Leipzig, Hasenüttl has introduced parts of the RB philosophy & has implemented a high intensity pressing system at SFC.

Here I have had a look at some of the underlying numbers behind the Saints defensive system & how this may effect their performance when out of possession. Much of their defensive setup is based on high intensity presses combined with an emphasis on collectivism.

Through 8 matches this season, SFC have conceded 12 goals, which is actually only good for 12th best in the league. However, looking at their xGA of 9.17 indicates that they can perhaps expect improvement in regards to conceding goals as the season progresses.

SFC´s out of possession shape typically resembles a 4-4-2, & while they have made a name for themselves as a high pressing team, I would contend they don´t necessarily apply pressure high up the pitch, as opposed to pressing with intensity & collectively based on their signals.

With 31.9 pressures applied p90 in the attacking 3rd, they only rank 10th in the league in that department. What makes them difficult to play against is the intensity & unified matter in which they apply pressure in ALL areas of the pitch. By pressing as a unit they are able to

be more successful when they do apply pressure. They rank 9th in the league in total pressure applied p90, but what makes them stand out is their success rate when pressing. With 46.1 Successful Pressures p90, they rank 4th in the league, as well as a 32.38 Successful Pressure %

which is also 4th in the league. I´d like to point out that Southampton also average 56.4 % possession, 5th in the league, which will have an effect on their total number of pressures. This is why it is important to focus on their Pressure Success as opposed to total pressures.

PPDA: 8.86 (3rd PL)

Looking at their PPDA will also show us that the relative low number of total pressures is not particularly telling, as we can see that their pressure when out of possession is quite intense from their PPDA.

Challenge Intensity: 7.3 (2nd PL)

Similarly, their Challenge Intensity (duels,
tackles & interceptions per min. of opponent possession) of 7.3 ranks 2nd in the league, only behind Leeds. A very telling sign of intensity when applying pressure as a team.

Ball Recoveries p90: 110.12

General willingness & desire to regain the ball when out of possession is a mentality key to Southampton´s success. Leading the league in recoveries p90 is indicative of this mindset. To maintain such a high number of recoveries it must be done by

applying pressure all over the pitch, parallel with team shape & unit pressing.

Here is an example of Southampton when defending in their high block, illustrating their relative lack of pressures in the attacking 3rd. While they start their initial shape high, the strikers often choose to maintain shape as opposed to pressuring the opposition centerbacks.

Pressure often doesn´t arrive until the pass is played out to the fullback. In this case, Southampton press with their winger. The ball-near fullback of Southampton pressures the closest winger. Timing & intensity of the pressure is critical to successfully regaining possession.

Other key principles in their high block phase include the role of the strikers in closing the central passing of opposition centerbacks, as well as the narrowness of the wingers to bait the passes to the fullbacks. Team shape - narrow & compact. Again, we see the pressure being

applied on the pass to the opposition fullback, with the Southampton fullback cover quickly behind.

Another statistic I would like to highlight, this time regarding their tackling data. Southampton have won the 2nd most tackles p90 at 12.9. However, they have also attempt the most tackles p90 in the middle 3rd of the pitch. This is a great indicator of where they apply their

pressing traps, as well as the quality & timing of the attempts. This was mainly just a short thread to highlight a few key bits of data & tactics from Southampton, as Hasenhuttl has really improved the team mentality & out of possession tactics since arriving.

As always any and all shares much appreciated!

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