Adam Lallana confident Southampton can have a 'great season'

Lallana, 36, has returned to Southampton on a one-year deal after leaving Brighton, adding experience to Martin's squad following promotion from the Championship.

The former England international has 291 top-flight appearances, including 68 in a Saints shirt, and has won the Premier League and Champions League since leaving St Mary's in 2014.

Upon his return, the academy graduate expressed his desire to help his new teammates adjust to the Premier League.

Lallana followed Southampton's season in the Championship closely and believes Martin deserves credit for turning the club around during a turbulent summer.

He told club media: “This time last year I met Prowsey (James Ward-Prowse) for a coffee. Prowsey understood that he might be leaving and that the club needed to sell him.

"Losing a personality like that can be really costly for a football club. I think Russell and his team need to take credit for the loan signings he brought in and the core of British players here.

“It’s not easy doing that when you’ve just come into a job. He was trying to build a relationship with all the backroom staff while trying to get results and win promotion.”

Adam Lallana has returned to Saints after 10 years away

Asked if Martin’s playing style was a big draw for him, Lallana responded: “Of course it was. I love playing football and I love Russell’s style.

"It’s very similar to Roberto’s (De Zerbi), a manager who I have expressed my love for. Russell knows that their styles are relatively similar.

"I definitely feel like I can help. I know the philosophy that Russell wants to promote.

"Having been very experienced in the Premier League, I feel like I can help the football club adapt quickly to the level."

Lallana does not think Saints need to overhaul their playing style in order to avoid being relegated from the Premier League.

The former Liverpool man wants Southampton to build on what they did last season. However, he concedes many of his teammates will need to adjust quickly.

“Although the club were there only a couple of years ago, there are players who probably haven’t played too much in the league," he continued.

"The quality you are up against is very strong. You get punished. If I can influence the lads in a positive way then I am happy to help. 

Adam Lallana wants to help his new teammates adjust quickly to the Premier League (Image: Southampton FC)

“We don’t need to do anything drastically different. I have watched Russell’s teams, I followed Southampton a lot this year.

"You don’t want to move too far away from what has brought you success, but I feel like we need to be a little more pragmatic.

“I am sure the goal is to stay up, although I haven't spoken to anyone about that yet. I have been in a Southampton dressing room where that was the case before.

"I was in the Brighton dressing room three years ago when we were fighting relegation. The target was to get 40 points. The jump from the Championship is a big one. 

“We have to focus on ourselves, developing our players. With the way Russell sees the game, I have got full confidence we can have a great season.”