After returning to the English Premier League (EPL) in the 2024/25 season, Southampton faced serious challenges that determined its current trajectory. The club, known for its rich history and ability to discover young talent, has had a difficult season, ending in early relegation to the Championship.
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2024/25 season results: lessons from bitter experience
Last season was a real test for Southampton. After a successful return to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs under Russell Martin, the Saints started the season with ambitions to establish themselves in the elite. However, by December 2024, the team found itself at the bottom of the table after a crushing 0-5 defeat to Tottenham. This led to Martin's resignation, and his successor, Ivan Juric, who signed an 18-month contract, was unable to turn the situation around. By 6 April 2025, after a 1-3 defeat to Tottenham, Southampton were officially relegated to the Championship, setting an EPL anti-record for the earliest relegation after 31 rounds.
The team's results in the 2024/25 season speak for themselves: just a few wins, including a home victory against Swansea (3:0) and an away win against Ipswich (2:1). The rest of the matches, such as defeats to Chelsea (0:4), Liverpool (1:3) and Brentford (0:5), revealed serious problems in defence and attack. Cameron Archer became the team's top scorer with two goals, which highlights the team's poor conversion rate.
Coaching question: who will lead the team?
After Southampton's relegation to the Championship, Ivan Juric left his post by mutual consent, and Simon Rusc became the interim coach. However, for the new season, the club needs a permanent coach who can build a competitive team. Among the candidates for the head coach position is Will Still, the former coach of Lance, who could bring a fresh perspective and an attacking style of play.
Still or another new coach will face the task of restoring the team's confidence and building a clear playing philosophy. Last season, Southampton often used a 4-2-3-1 formation, but the defence remained vulnerable, conceding an average of more than two goals per game.
Squad and transfer prospects
Southampton's squad for the 2024/25 season showed that the team lacked balance. Young talents such as Tyler Dybbling have attracted the attention of top Premier League clubs, and his possible transfer could bring the club significant funds. However, retaining key players such as Cameron Archer and Adam Armstrong will be a priority, as their experience and goal-scoring potential are essential for success in the Championship.
The 2025 summer transfer window will be crucial. The club is likely to focus on strengthening the central defence and midfield, where there were serious gaps last season. The possible return of experienced players such as James Ward-Prowse, who previously played for Southampton, could be a high-profile transfer capable of boosting the team's morale. In addition, Southampton traditionally relies on its academy, and players such as Dominic Ballard may get more playing time.
In the Championship, Southampton must focus on aggressive, attacking football to dominate their opponents. Last season, the team showed that it is capable of creating chances, but lacked consistency in finishing attacks. The new coach is likely to use flexible formations such as 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 to maximise the potential of the wing players and increase the pressure on the opponents' goal.