How Danny Rohl's style of play could work at Southampton as Sheffield Wednesday boss is eyed | OneFootball

FLW look at how Danny Rohl can implement his system at Southampton.

Southampton FC made the difficult decision to part ways with Ivan Juric after their relegation to the Championship was confirmed on the weekend.

The Croatian was appointed in December following Russell Martin's dismissal, but the head coach struggled to make an impact on the team. He secured just two wins in 16 matches, with only one victory in his 14 Premier League games.

In a statement issued by the club, they confirmed that the search for a new manager is underway, with speculation already resurfacing about a potential move for Danny Röhl.

The Sheffield Wednesday head coach was eyed prior to Juric's appointment, but the South Coast club were deterred by his substantial £4 million release clause for a Premier League side.

Nevertheless, it appears the Saints are ready to make another approach, and with Southampton's relegation halving the contract release fee, a move is now far more feasible.

The 35-year-old could be an ideal fit at St Mary's and FLW have taken a look at what a Danny Röhl Southampton team would look like.

Danny Röhl's style of play at Sheffield Wednesday

Röhl may have limited managerial experience, having only held assistant roles before taking charge at Hillsborough. However, that has not prevented him from establishing a clear coaching identity and a playing style that has delivered success.

This season, Röhl has favoured a mid-block defensive approach, combining counter-attacking play with fast, free-flowing football. This attacking style has made his side a genuine threat in the final third, with their direct approach leading to the creation of the fifth-most big chances in the league.

Beyond this, the former Southampton assistant has demonstrated considerable tactical flexibility. He does not adhere to a rigid system and has alternated between three primary formations - 3-4-2-1, 4-2-3-1, and 4-5-1 - often adapting based on the opposition.

In terms of attacking play, Röhl’s side looks to exploit the flanks, with Djeidi Gassama standing out on the left wing this season. The full-backs are also strong crossers, while the team's most clinical finisher has operated just behind the striker, with Josh Windass proving to be a key goal threat for Wednesday.

Defensively, Wednesday do not sit too deep. Instead, they aim to force mistakes in midfield, with the likes of Shea Charles - on loan from Southampton - and Barry Bannan pressing aggressively in the middle third to regain possession. The central defenders push higher up the pitch to compress space, as Röhl has identified central midfield areas as the team’s stronghold.

If appointed, Röhl would need to make some adjustments for a promotion-chasing side. However, the Southampton squad appears well-suited to his philosophy, and a summer transition should not pose too many difficulties.

Southampton players who would benefit from Röhl's appointment

One obvious beneficiary of Röhl's appointment would be Shea Charles. The midfielder has spent the season on loan at Wednesday and has arguably been one of their standout performers.

Equally, effective going forward and defensively strong, Charles is the ideal number eight, and the German would surely look to utilise him if he made the move to St Mary’s. Most of his defensive statistics rank in the top 10% of central midfielders, suggesting he could seamlessly transfer that form to Southampton.

Another player who could thrive under Röhl is Tyler Dibling. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season and, despite speculation over a move elsewhere, he might benefit most from another year of development at Southampton.

Much like Gassama, Dibling excels with the ball at his feet, driving at defenders, and his presence on the right wing could pose a significant threat to Championship defences. A similar case could be made for Kamaldeen Sulemana on the left flank, as he shares the same direct, attacking approach and desire to take on opponents.

Finally, Southampton will need a reliable striker, and Ross Stewart’s time at the club may finally come. If he can stay fit, he could provide a focal point similar to Michael Smith at Wednesday this season. A commanding centre-forward with an excellent finishing ability, Stewart could be an ideal fit for Röhl’s system, giving him the chance to put two frustrating years behind him.