Santos will not hide in the Premier League – Martin

Southampton manager Russell Martin hopes to “surprise a few people” this season as he prepares to lead them into the Premier League.

Saints secured their place in the top flight via the May play-offs when they defeated Leeds at Wembley.

Martin was credited with ingraining a style of football that encouraged his players to feel comfortable on the ball and across the field.

The 38-year-old said his team must not lose its identity and what brought it so much success in the last campaign.

“It is illogical to me that we would get to the Premier League and then, out of fear or lack of belief, we would do something else.” Martin told BBC Sport.

“There will be games where we play against incredible opposition and maybe look a little different, but we won’t say Man City or Liverpool and prepare for camp, we just won’t do that.

“We have to accept that sometimes we will be defeated, but other times we will have beautiful moments and games and results that people don’t expect, maybe we will surprise some people.”

Former Norwich defender Martin will take charge of a top-flight team for the first time.

“Now I understand that when we win – I have the quote on my wall – the game model will not be questioned, people can even talk about it in a positive way,” Martin added.

“But when we lose, it will be the first thing they talk about. It won’t be about the quality of the opponent, it will be about me being naive and the players not being able to implement the game model they did so brilliantly in the past. season.

“Until I am told otherwise, we will continue this way on our journey together.”

Saints kicked off their pre-season on Friday with a 7-1 away win over National League side Eastleigh.

Debutant Yukinari Sugawara, who signed for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, scored a long-range effort.

“Everyone knows the Premier League is the best league in the world,” the 24-year-old Japan international told BBC Sport.

“I’m really excited to be here and compete against some of the best players. It’s one of my goals in my career to play in this league.

“I have to prove myself in this field, it’s not easy, but I have to give everything, this is the challenge for me”.

The Saints begin the new season on August 17th when they visit Newcastle.