SAINTS defender Jan Bednarek has explained how Saints’ multiple managerial changes this season has negatively effected the team while highlighting the value of each of their three bosses.
Bednarek’s side started the campaign with Ralph Hasenhuttl in charge but while the Polish defender was on loan with Aston Villa, the Saints boss was sacked shortly before the World Cup break.
Nathan Jones was chosen by Sport Republic as his replacement but the appointment ended in disaster when the former Luton manager was relieved of his duties after just one win in eight league matches.
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Finally, Saints’ survival was entrusted to Ruben Selles and after a bright start that saw his side win two of their first three games, they are now winless in their last nine and heading for the drop barring a late miracle.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Monday night’s trip to Nottingham Forest, Bednarek opened up on the unique challenges presented by the frequent changes this season, particularly with such a youthful squad.
"High pressing and winning the ball is just one part of the game but there are many more, like ball possession, creating chances and set-pieces,” Bednarek said.
“We lost our philosophy and consistency a little bit because of the changes. We didn't have one idea, one way of playing.
“Because of the age of our team, that's caused a lot of problems. But there were many things that didn't help. We have a lot of qualities, but [haven't always been] able to show it.
“But I think you can learn a lot from each of (the managers) and that's the most important thing. If you understand that, you can learn a lot.
“Hasenhuttl gave me the opportunity in the Premier League and I'm really grateful for that. He was always supporting me.
"I think Nathan Jones was the one who tried to show how much he believed in us, how much he trusted us. Of course, it didn't work - but it was also a difficult situation for him.
"Ruben is also a great manager who has a lot of great ideas, a lot of great solutions. Tactically, he is very good and a very good person.
"As we can see, I think many aspects [have caused our] struggles at the minute but I can only say good things about all three of [the managers]. All of them have good abilities and it's important to listen and learn - to get better with these cultures."
Saints enter the weekend six points adrift of safety with just four games left to play. Following the bank holiday trip to the City Ground, Saints welcome Fulham to St Mary’s before visiting Brighton and closing out the season with a home clash against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
It’s no secret that Saints are everyone’s favourites for the drop but speaking to media on Friday at Staplewood, Selles insisted that he and his players still believe they can achieve the unlikely and stay up this season.
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