Mauricio Pellegrino believes his Southampton team have shown an important ability to adapt in recent games.
The Saints boss has overseen two strong displays inside the last week, starting with the home 4-1 victory over Everton, before a cruel, last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Pellegrino utilised different formations for each match, playing with a back three and wing-backs at Etihad Stadium, rather than a flat back four, and he is encouraged ahead of Sunday's visit to Bournemouth at how his players have coped with alternate systems.
"To adapt to different situations I think you have to be open-minded – try to manage different situations in different ways and be creative," said Pellegrino.
"It's important, because we can adapt in different moments."
mauricio pellegrino
we've got intelligent players on the pitch who can talk, organise and lead.
southampton manager
The Saints boss added that the intelligence of his players is one of the things that makes such alterations possible.
"For example, the West Bromwich game we changed three times in the game different players in different positions," said Pellegrino. "You need two or three minutes to re-organise the team, and also we've got intelligent players on the pitch who can talk, who can organise and who can lead in this moment. It is something we are training to do."
Whatever tactics he employs at Vitality Stadium this weekend, though, Pellegrino expects a different game to the one at City.
"I think it will be completely different – a different side – but with the added fact that we will play a derby," he said. "Bournemouth is a team that wants to improve. They achieved something really important last season and they keep the base of the team with the same manager and the same ideas.
"Both teams will need to get points, and I think it will be really, really tough, but I feel that my players are ready to play a good game."
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