DEFENDER Jan Bednarek delivered a verdict on boss Ivan Juric, insisting Southampton's players can learn a lot from their manager.

Bednarek labelled the Croatian a "really honest person" before explaining that Juric is quick to react by making decisions that are "best for the team".

Juric hooked Flynn Downes at half-time against Nottingham Forest before withdrawing Yukinari Sugawara, Adam Armstrong and Cameron Archer 13 minutes after the restart.

Southampton, who were 3-0 down when the changes were made, went on to pull two back and were denied a dramatic draw when Bednarek's injury-time header was cleared off the line.

Substitutes Lesley Ugochukwu and Paul Onuachu played central roles for Saints, who improved dramatically after the break.

Bednarek explained there are "no hard feelings" when Juric makes decisions to boost Southampton's chances of getting a result.

He told BBC Radio Solent: "The manager is a really honest person and I think that is the first thing we need to appreciate with him.

"He always reacts and there are no hard feelings. He always does the best thing for the team. But I think that he is a good person and a good manager.

Jan Bednarek and Flynn Downes battle with Forest forward Chris Wood.Jan Bednarek and Flynn Downes battle with Forest forward Chris Wood. (Image: Mike Egerton/PA) "He always tries to do what is best for us and we can learn a lot from him. He has got a different perspective and he comes from a different culture.

"You can learn a lot from every manager, you just need a willingness within yourself that you want to listen and improve.

"Everyone in this dressing room has got the motivation to get a different result. He has got a different view of football compared to Russell (Martin).

"I'm not comparing them, they are different. Both things are good if you do them right. He has a different way of managing the team.

Ivan Juric had only managed in Italy prior to his Saints appointment.Ivan Juric had only managed in Italy prior to his Saints appointment. (Image: PA) "It's interesting. We have a lot of young players in the team and it's interesting for us to see how things work in Italy. Training is different, the team meetings are different. 

"I think it's good. He's got fresh ideas and hopefully, they can turn into something positive. I like the way we defend and are aggressive but it's hard.

"The Premier League offensive players have real quality. One yard is enough for them so we have to be careful. In Italy, a lot of teams play like this but here it's unusual."