Adam Webster is enjoying the new responsibility Roberto De Zerbi has given him and his defensive teammates.
The 27-year-old says that he doesn’t see the Italian’s approach as risky, although it does involve inviting pressure from the opposition.
“He wants us to really take control of the game, to take our time when we've got the ball, wait for the pressure to come and then something will open up,” Adam said. “It's all about how the structure can give you two or three options for a pass and that's how we can get out and hurt teams. We want to try to score a goal from deep build-up.
MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required
Log-in required
“I don't see it as more risks, it's all about playing off the press of the opposition. We've done a lot of work on that in training, where if you've got time on the ball, you don't need to move.
“You don't need to rush; you just stay on the ball and someone will eventually come to you and when they do then you should have a pass and then you can get out that way.”
The centre-back believes he’s had the faith of his new head coach from the moment he arrived.
“I think from the first day that Roberto came in he has shown massive confidence in me, Joel and Dunky.
“He accepts full responsibility. If we were to make a mistake, he says, “it's my fault, because I'm asking you to do it.” And the mistakes may happen, but I feel like we've taken to it really well.
“The three of us have done very well in trying to do what the gaffer wants us to do – playing out from the back we have to take responsibility. We have to be confident with how we want to play and believe in ourselves and I think we've done that well so far.”