Valakari Tells St Johnstone to Be ‘Solid and Streetwise’ on Premiership Return

As the new season kicks off, one of the most intriguing storylines is the return of St Johnstone to the top flight after a stint in the Championship. Manager Simo Valakari knows that a successful campaign won’t be easy.

Valakari’s approach to football has always been about finding a balance between style and substance. He wants his team to play attractive, possession-based football, but he also recognizes the need for solidity and ruthlessness at times. This is particularly true in the Premiership, where margins can be thin. “We know what we are,” Valakari said, “but we cannot be this naive, beautiful, nice team coming out of the Championship playing nice football.”

Valakari’s pragmatism is a welcome change from the more free-flowing, possession-heavy approach that has characterized much of Scottish football in recent years. By emphasizing being “solid and streetwise,” he’s taking a refreshing departure from the era where teams often prioritize style over substance.

The Finnish manager’s ability to adapt his team for life in the Premiership will be crucial to their success this season. He has retained much of the core from last year’s Championship-winning side, while adding eight new signings to strengthen his squad. This blend of experience and youth could prove to be a winning formula.

However, Valakari knows that nothing can be taken for granted in the Premiership. “We have a foundation, we have good players, we have enough depth in our squad as well,” he said. He acknowledges that injuries and other setbacks are inevitable at this level, but it’s how his team responds to these challenges that will matter.

As St Johnstone take on Kilmarnock in their opening match, fans of the Premiership will be watching with interest. Can Valakari’s side adapt quickly enough to life in the top flight? Will they balance their attractive style with the hard-nosed approach required at this level?

The next few weeks will answer these questions. But one thing is certain: success at this level often builds on a foundation of solidity and resilience.

The Changing Face of Scottish Football

Valakari’s approach reflects a wider shift in Scottish football, where teams are increasingly recognizing the need for balance between style and substance. Many successful teams have always emphasized being hard to beat, but this is a welcome change from the extreme approaches that have characterized much of Scottish football in recent years.

In an era dominated by possession-based football, Valakari’s emphasis on solidity and ruthlessness represents a refreshing departure. His team’s ability to adapt quickly will be crucial to their success this season.

The Importance of Squad Depth

Valakari recognizes the importance of having enough depth in his squad. While many teams focus solely on building a strong starting XI, he understands that injuries and other setbacks are inevitable at this level. By having a safety net behind them, players can take risks and push themselves to new heights.

This emphasis on squad depth creates a culture of resilience within the team. When players know they have support, they’re more likely to perform under pressure.

What Next for St Johnstone?

As we watch St Johnstone navigate the challenges of Premiership football, questions about their ability to adapt quickly will abound. Can Valakari’s team balance their attractive style with the hard-nosed approach required at this level? Will they build on last season’s Championship-winning form?

These are all important questions, but one thing is certain: St Johnstone’s return to the Premiership has the potential to be a story of great interest and excitement for fans of Scottish football. The next few weeks will be crucial in answering these questions, but one thing is clear – only time will tell if Valakari’s team can succeed at this level.