Sanders Affirms St Johnstone’s Commitment to Valakari’s Vision

Jack Sanders maintains that, despite two recent consecutive defeats, everyone at St Johnstone is “buying into” the “philosophy and how he wants to play” of new manager Simo Valakari. The former Finland international initially guided his new squad to two straight victories over Ross County and Dundee following his appointment. However, subsequent losses to St Mirren and Hearts have resulted in the Perth-based team occupying 10th place in the Premiership standings. Nonetheless, Sanders describes the change in management as “really positive,” and the defender is confident that “every player will improve” under Valakari’s leadership. Sanders stated, “Everyone has bought into the gaffer’s philosophy and how he wants to play. We’re enjoying it, just disappointed we didn’t get the result on Saturday [against Hearts]. There is a different belief around the place. We’re raring to go, ready to train and improve as a team. The positive energy the gaffer and his staff have brought is only going to help us.” Sanders is hopeful for an improvement in results when his St Johnstone side travels to Fir Park on Saturday to face Motherwell, Valakari’s former team. The Lanarkshire club secured a late win in Perth earlier this season, prior to Valakari’s arrival. Sanders added, “One thing with this group of boys is that we’ll leave everything out on the pitch.” He concluded, “It’s no good putting in good performances with good possession and shots on target without turning it into wins. We’re really disappointed with [the recent losses] but we’re hoping to continue playing the way we have been and that the results turn.”