Who Is Will Still? How Can His Tactics Transform Southampton FC?

Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League this season of 2024/25 was a bitter pill for the club and its dedicated fan community. Following years of struggling in the top division, the Saints now have the daunting task on their hands of digging their way back to the elite, although they did get promoted to the Premier League last year but it eventually was not a good ride for them at all as they once again finished the season as the 20th team in table and got relegated again.

Following their relegation from the Premier League after a dismal 2024-2025 season, Southampton needed a shake-up, into this mix comes Will Still, the young, highly talented new manager who has just joined Southampton as their new head coach following his departure from RC Lens, announced on May 25, 2025, via Southampton FC Official Site.

It is seen as a bold step toward revival. Born in Belgium to English parents, Still’s journey from a Football Manager addict to a Ligue 1 managerial sensation is inspiring, and his tactical acumen could be the key to getting the Saints back where they belong. Only 32 years old, Still has already established himself throughout Europe as a progressive and tactically intelligent coach. Having progressed from the lower divisions of Belgium, then being a manager in Ligue 1, and now one of England’s great clubs, is nothing but captivating.

But the burning question in everyone’s mind is: Will Will Still’s approach and vision be able to turn Southampton’s fortunes around and return them to the Premier League? Let us deconstruct all that you need to know about this up-and-coming manager and what he has to offer the Saints.

Will Still Tactics & Style of Play: Aggression, Fluidity, and Forward Thinking

Here’s a detailed look at Will Still tactics. Will Still’s coaching style is a breath of fresh air in modern football. Over the years, whether at Lierse, Beerschot, Reims, or Lens, a few distinct tactical traits have consistently defined his teams. His approach is aggressive, proactive, and built around controlling the game through high-intensity pressing and quick transitions.

Pressing with Purpose

One of the hallmarks of Still’s teams is their relentless pressing. He demands that his players press aggressively and intelligently, especially in midfield. This isn’t just about running around chasing the ball—it’s a calculated effort to force opponents into mistakes by cutting off passing lanes and closing down space rapidly. His sides tend to use a double pivot in midfield, two defensive midfielders who maintain a strong screen for the defense while also triggering swift counterattacks. It’s a pressing technique that is similar to the well-known gegenpressing made famous by Jurgen Klopp, but Will Still places his twist by prioritizing positional discipline and verticality.

Full-Backs as Key Creators

Yet another highlight of his approach is the way he deploys full-backs, not only as defenders but also as key attacking threats. At Reims, for example, his right-back Thomas Foket was functionally a winger, permanently overlapping and building overloads out on the touchline. This maximizes opposition defenses and pulls space away from their attacking midfielders to move inside and cause damage. For Southampton, this may involve individuals such as Kyle Walker-Peters and Ryan Manning becoming key players in breaking into attacks from out wide.

Verticality and Directness

Still’s sides detest losing time with sideways passes. Instead, they like direct vertical balls that move the ball into threatening positions quickly. The quick attacking style keeps defenders on the back foot and gets the best out of rapid, skilled forwards. At Lens, Elye Wahi used this tactic to thrive as a striker, making runs in behind defenses and profiting from rapid counterattacks.

Tactical Flexibility

What distinguishes Still is his ability to change mid-game. He’s not wedded to one shape or way of playing. For instance, in a crucial Ligue 1 game against Monaco, he changed from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-5-2 to neutralise the threat posed by their wing-backs, a switch that ensured a crucial victory. That adaptability will be essential in the Championship, where sides differ greatly in terms of style and physicality.

ALSO READ: Thomas Frank Tactics, Style Of Play And Managerial Achievements

Trophies and Achievements as a Manager

While Will Still is still early in his managerial career and hasn’t yet lifted major trophies, his track record shows consistent progress and impressive milestones. He has a knack for getting the best out of limited resources and turning underdog teams into competitive outfits. Let’s take a look at Will Still achievement:

Club	Season	Achievements
Lierse	2017-18	Interim manager with 21 points from 27 games
Beerschot	2020-21	Achieved promotion to Belgian Pro League
Stade de Reims	2022-23	Set Ligue 1 record with a 17-game unbeaten streak
Lens	2024-25	Guided Lens to a respectable 8th place finish in Ligue 1

Though silverware has eluded him so far, Still’s ability to develop young players and instill a winning mentality is his real strength. At Reims, he helped raise the profile of players like Folarin Balogun, turning them into stars. His steady progression through the ranks shows a manager who learns quickly and adapts well to new challenges.

Is Will Still the Right Fit for Southampton?

Southampton’s relegation was largely because of a porous defense and a midfield that couldn’t win games. Will Still’s appointment is being viewed by many as a bold attempt to fix these problems head-on, but it’s not without its difficulties.

Youth Development Emphasis: Southampton has a long tradition of developing young players, and Still’s track record as a youth developer falls right in line with the club’s philosophy.

Championship Style Finesses His Tactics: The Championship is a demanding league that values high work rate and tactical resolve, both of which are domains where Still is at his best. Elite professionals like Adam Armstrong, who are renowned for their pace and directness, might suit his system perfectly.

A New Beginning for the Fans: The fan community, eager for the return to the Premier League, has welcomed Still’s appointment in good spirits. His humility, emotional intelligence, and transparency regarding his personal life have helped him become an endearing figure.

Fan Reactions

Generally, fans are optimistically reserved. Social media chatter emphasizes enthusiasm for his fresh, dynamic approach and his relative youth. Yet, there is also a degree of reality regarding the problems he will face. Most supporters want to know how he handles the team and if he can produce instant results.

External factors

External factors, like his partner’s health (Emma Saunders recovering from encephalitis, mentioned about Will Still: Southampton set to announce Englishman as next manager – BBC Sport), could influence his focus, but Southampton seems supportive. Overall, it seems likely that Still is a good fit, but success hinges on adaptation and squad building.

How Could Southampton Line Up Under Will Still?

Based on Still’s preferred tactics and the current Southampton squad, here’s a likely starting lineup and formation:

Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1

Player Roles and Fit

• Gavin Bazunu: A confident, ball-playing goalkeeper who can start attacks from the back.
• Kyle Walker-Peters: His pace and stamina make him ideal for the overlapping full-back role.
• New Center-Back: Southampton will likely need to recruit a commanding center-back to partner with Jan Bednarek, someone with leadership qualities.
• Flynn Downes & Will Smallbone: The double pivot, combining defensive solidity and passing range. Smallbone would act as the deep-lying playmaker.
• Adam Armstrong: The focal point of attack, using his speed and movement to exploit defenses.
• Wingers (Sulemana and Edozie): Both quick and skillful, capable of cutting inside or stretching play wide.

Areas for Improvement

• Defensive Midfielder: A more combative, experienced player is needed to protect the back four.
• Left Winger Creativity: Adding a creative flair on the left side could unlock tighter defenses. Players like Fabio Carvalho could be targets.

Tactical Flexibility and In-Game Changes

Still’s teams are known for making tactical switches during matches. For example, if Southampton needs a goal, he might shift to a 3-4-1-2, pushing Manning into midfield and adding a second striker to increase attacking options. Late substitutions often involve injecting pace through young wingers to exploit tired legs.

Also Read: Who Is Luciano Spalletti? Breaking Down His Tactical Philosophy

FAQs