It is well documented that the start to the season Southampton have made has been quite extraordinary. In comparison to the quality of opposition they face in the Premier League this season, most people would assume that that is all it is, a decent start. However, this is a target that was set by owner Markus Liebherr when he took over the club in 2009.
Liebherr and his newly appointed chairman Nicola Cortese sat down in 2009 and devised a five year plan. The idea they envisaged was ultimately to get Southampton challenging in European competition by 2014. To the majority of supporters at the club, and quite frankly, anybody else keeping an eye on the situation from a far, this was an understandably contentious dream. After all, the Saints were on the brink of extinction at the time and had just been relegated to the third tier of English football. While others shrugged this idea off as nothing more than typical 'foreign investor' talk, Cortese and his backroom team meant business, there was real ambition.
After the Liebherr takeover was complete and the parent company of Southampton, 'Southampton Leisure Holdings PLC' came successfully out of administration, the building started. Alan Pardew was appointed manager in July 2009 and was immediately backed by the hierarchy. Pardew was given money to spend in the transfer window and was intrusted with putting a squad together capable of challenging for promotion. With signings like Rickie Lambert, Jose Fonte and Jason Puncheon (two of which still play for the Saints) they did indeed clinch promotion. They defeated Carlisle 4-1 in the League 1 play off final at Wembley, winning the clubs first trophy since 1976.
On August 11th 2010, Markus Liebherr passed away. It was assured that the future of the club was not in jeopardy and a plan had been made in case of such an incident. Cortese, who after Liebherrs passing remained as chairman, is a very highly regarded businessman. He showed some of his business like ruthlessness two weeks later when he sacked Alan Pardew as first team coach. Nigel Adkins was the man who replaced Pardew and his team went on to win their second successive promotion to the Premier League. Job done? Not quite.
Particular owners and clubs may well have been satisfied with what Southampton achieved. Rescuing a club from the bottom of the pile, and taking them to the holy grail of the Premier League. Not this business model. This was only year three.
Nicola Cortese
Southampton made a very acceptable start to life in the 2012/13 Premier League season, one that a newly promoted team could be proud of. However, safety from relegation was not secured. This was when a decision was made that dumfounded the football world, Adkins was sacked. From the outside looking in, nothing the Southampton board could say would justify the sacking of Adkins. He had done remarkable things in his short stint with the south coast club. Cortese and his board had obviously seen something that made the think otherwise.
Perhaps Cortese had seen that Adkins could take them no further, even had they managed to survive relegation under his reign. Who knows? But no one can question his decision now.
Mauricio Pochettino was appointed head coach from Espanyol. A man that not many knew much about but Southampton had obviously done their homework. He guided the Saints to comfortable safety last season and they have started magnificently this season.
In a modern era were owners of football clubs get heavily scrutinised by fans and media alike, a lot of credit must go to Cortese and his backroom staff. We are quick to jump down the necks of Mike Ashley (Newcastle United) and Vincent Tan ( Cardiff City ) but must recognise that football is now a multinational business. Southampton is an extremely well run, efficient business. And credit goes to those in power at St Marys.
For all of the criticism Cortese undoubtedly received, he has justified every decision.
Southampton have made their best ever start to a Premier League season. They lie third in the Premier League, three points behind leaders Arsenal, have only been defeated once this season (away to Norwich) and have conceded fewest goals in the league.They have conceded the second fewest amount of goals in Europe, only behind Roma of Serie A. While being hard to breakdown at the back they are scoring in abundance, playing football similar to Barcelona under Pep Guardiola (high intensity pressing game off the ball, total football in possession of the ball) and are utilising home grown players.
Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana have all been called up to the England squad for the upcoming friendlies while James Ward-Prowse and Luke Shaw have been called up to the U21s.
Things are looking good for the Saints this season and to get a European place come May would be an exceptional achievement. Remember, this is only year four of the five year plan. Cortese and Southampton are in it for the long haul.
