French football expert successfully predicted Will Still’s biggest issue he would face as Southampton manager

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French football expert Julien Laurens’ prediction of where Will Still could struggle at Southampton appears to have come true.

Still took responsibility as Southampton were hammered by Hull City at the MKM Stadium to leave the promotion favourites all the way down in 19th.

The Saints have had a summer of change after losing Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes to Premier League clubs, but they have brought in plenty of additions themselves.

Laurens previously compared Still to Thomas Tuchel, however, the one glaring issue that was raised before the start of the season.

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Julien Laurens hinted at Will Still’s stubbornness being an issue

The Ligue 1 expert knows Still inside and out from his time at Reims and Lens, and was able to give a full insight into what Saints fans could expect.

Before his official appointment, Laurens feared that Still’s stubbornness with tactics and player personnel could prove to be his Achilles heel.

He told BBC Radio Solent in May 2025: “I think he’s one of the brightest young managers in Europe – there’s no doubt. His tactical ability, man-management skills he has, the way he conducts himself, the attitude and behaviour. He is a great guy to have and he’s a bit stubborn – I think he would admit that himself!

“He reminds me sometimes of a young Thomas Tuchel, simply in the sense that they have similar pathways a little bit and Tuchel was quite big on counter-pressing like Will is. Not too much possession like Russell Martin that’s for sure, it’s a bit more direct at times.

“He also adapts to his players well so it will depend a lot on the squad he inherits at Southampton and he will adapt to that. He has got clear instructions and style of what he wants to do, especially in terms of pressing and counter-pressing.”

Southampton can’t use summer of change as an excuse

The Saints haven’t won since the opening day of the season, which feels like a long time ago.

A goalless draw against Portsmouth in the South Coast derby last weekend was soured even more by the loss at Hull.

Like many other sides in the second tier, Southampton had a big summer of change in terms of arrivals and departures.

While that may be the case, it has been the same for all 24 Championship teams and as we prepare to enter the month of October, the time for settling in is done.