aRUSSELL Martin has acknowledged Saints’ similarities to Leicester City but has emphasized the distinctions ahead of Friday night’s game.
Both teams were demoted from the Premier League recently and are seeking to return to the top tier by playing possession-heavy football.
Southampton had Enzo Maresca on their manager shortlist this summer before hiring Martin.
Martin stated that he likes Leicester’s approach ahead of Saints’ match against them.
“I don’t know Enzo (Maresca), but I think if we sat down and had a chat about the game, I think we would probably believe in quite a few similar things.
“I’ve been really impressed by them and I’ve really enjoyed watching them. They are early on in the process as well.
“They had some pain just before the international break, losing at home. They will have felt that for sure. Both teams are going into it a little bit wounded.
“Leicester are similar to us, but they are different.
“They’ve had a lot of change as well and they’ve started really well. They are two points ahead of us so we have a chance to go above them.
“We also have a chance to get back on track with what’s important; the performance. I’m not just talking about the results. I think it makes for a really interesting game.
“I think it will be a brilliant advert for Championship football. Both teams have a chance in front of the cameras to really show what they are about after a defeat. I think it’s really exciting.”
Saints currently lead the Championship for possession with an average of 70.6 per cent, followed closely by Leicester with 65.5 per cent.
Despite employing a similar philosophy, Martin doesn’t believe the Foxes will alter their game plan at St Mary’s.
“I don’t think they are going to come and change their approach, we are certainly not going to do that,” he continued.
“We have to be better at a lot of things we did in the previous game. We have spoken about that and we have worked on that. I’m excited to see that go onto the pitch.
“I don’t think they are going to change their approach. I think the team that is the bravest with the ball and the team that shows the most intensity for each other out of possession, will be the one that comes out on top.
“I think it will be a really high-quality game and a different challenge for us from what we have faced so far.
“I’m really looking forward to it. We needed a game after these two weeks and it happens to be Leicester. Three really big games for us this week, and this is just the start.”
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