Defensive adjustments
The main difference between Hasenhuttl’s preferred 4-2-2-2 and the 3-4-2-1 he used to secure safety last season is the numbers in defence.
In 2018/19, Yan Valery and Ryan Bertrand/Matt Targett were used as wing-backs and they knew that they could get forward because of the increased cover behind them.
However, if 4-2-2-2 is to be used this season, adjustments will have to be made and learning of the new roles will have to be done by the Saints defenders.
Valery and Bertrand (if first-choice) will now be basic full-backs, but will also be needed to provide width past the midfielders. They now have just two centre-backs to play alongside and will need more discipline in their performances.
Valery was excellent as a wing-back but may need guidance to become a similarly decent full-back with more defensive responsibilities. Bertrand is perhaps a better full-back already as that is his natural position.
Players such as Jan Bednarek and Jannik Vestergaard – who could be the first-choice centre-back pairing – will also need to build a better partnership in a two rather than a three. The defence did look shaky at times last season when a back four was used.