Southampton recently announced the appointment of Claude Puel as their new manager, after the departure of Ronald Koeman to Everton.
The former OGC Nice boss has been speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe about his decision to sign for Southampton.
“It was the time to take the plunge. If I had not signed for Southampton, I do not know if I would have managed a Premier League club one day. I wanted to know another Championship for a long time. And then the offer from Southampton came, it is not nothing. The team finished 8th, 7th and 6th in the last three seasons.
“I could have signed for Porto, 10 years ago (in 2005), but it wasn’t the time, I was hired with Lille and the club was fragile. West Bromwich Albion had contacted me too to replace Roy Hodgson, but I went to Nice”
Puel was also asked if he has found a house in England, and if he feels settled at his new club.
He added: “I’m still at the hotel, here, I hope to find something quickly. We returned to training on Friday, and I did not have time to discover the middle of the city, but it seems that it is nice.
“I spend my days at the training centre, it is incredible. The refectory is beautiful, food is excellent, all the world cuisine is here for breakfast, and we had lunch together after the morning practice.
“There is everything you need for high level video analysis, medicals, and athletes. This is exceptional. I hope that I can bring my little extra.”
It seems Southampton’s new boss is really impressed with the facilities at his new club, and excited to take the new challenge.
Puel also revealed he is taking English courses, and that his assistant Eric Black is helping him in conversations with his players.
