SAINTS training sessions have left Joe Rothwell scratching his head – but their possession-based style is how he wants to play football.

The 29 year old has made the short trip through the New Forest to join Southampton from AFC Bournemouth on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Rothwell explained how he is excited to learn a style of play that he has not previously experienced during his senior career.

He said: “(The style) is a lot different to how I have played before. It is how I would like to play.

“In the last week, there have been a few sessions where I’ve been scratching my head thinking ‘how do they do stuff?’

“Once you get used to it then it is a real joy to play. Each day I am picking things up.

"I will hopefully be on the same level as everyone else in the next few weeks.”

When speaking to the Daily Echo last week, Martin outlined how Saints will "fry" Rothwell’s brain with information to get him up to speed quickly.

Daily Echo: Joe Rothwell has been training with his Saints teammates this week

Their plan was to get him involved with as many "match scenarios" as possible and build his relationships with his teammates. 

Rothwell has the benefit of already knowing Adam Armstrong, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens, Mason Holgate and James Bree from his previous clubs.

“I’ve enjoyed it to be honest,” Rothwell added, reflecting on his first week at Staplewood.

“I love football so much. Any chance that I get to learn or chat about football then I am happy to do it.

"Everyone has made me feel really welcome. I think it helps that I knew a fair few of the lads.

“They have made it very easy for me to settle. I’m just getting used to the way that they want me to do things.

“The manager and his staff have been great with trying to get me up to speed. There has been a few fried brains at times but I am getting there."

As well as players stepping in to guide him on his journey of learning, Rothwell has also stepped back to observe how his new teammates operate.

“Watching how they do things has helped. They are at a point now where they all know their roles.

“I need to get to that point as quickly as possible. Hopefully, I will be there in another week or so.”

In joining Southampton, Rothwell has stepped down from the Premier League to help Saints gain promotion.

Having only made the jump to the top flight in 2022, Rothwell opted to switch the Vitality Stadium for St Mary’s in the search for more game time.

He only managed 379 minutes across 11 league appearances for the Cherries during the first half of the season.

The former Blackburn man did not have to wait long to make his Saints debut - his substitute appearance at Swansea came just five days after his arrival was confirmed.

Daily Echo: Joe Rothwell played 21 minutes on his Southampton debut.Joe Rothwell played 21 minutes on his Southampton debut. (Image: Southampton FC / Matt Watson)

“I haven’t played as much as I would have liked," Rothwell explained when asked why he decided to return to the Championship.

"From speaking to the manager I felt it was a good opportunity for me to come here and get some more minutes.

“As soon as I heard of the interest I knew I needed to get out and play more games.

“I wanted the move done that day if possible, but things were never going to be that straightforward.

“I tried to push it as quickly as possible. I know that both sides were trying to make things work and thankfully I am here now.

“I loved playing in this league when I was at Blackburn. It gave me a chance to show what I could do and get my move to the Premier League.

“Hopefully, I can come here to showcase what I’m all about and help Southampton get back to the Premier League.”