Southampton will be hoping to return to the Premier League following their last-pace finish and subsequent relegation to the Championship.
Two months ago, the Saints appointed Will Still as their new manager for this season, just days after he stepped down from RC Lens.
Tuesday’s edition of La Voix du Nord has an interview with the Southampton manager, where he discussed his exit from Lens and his plans for the Championship club.
The 32-year-old told the French newspaper that he’s happy to have joined Southampton, both personally and professionally.
He said a move to St Mary’ allows him to “live with my family in a healthy environment and at an ambitious club.”
The manager says he entered into discussions with Southampton only after leaving the Ligue 1 side. He’s clearly aware this may be hard for some to believe.
“It happened very quickly, I know people tend to want to make people believe otherwise, but I’ve always been honest and straightforward with everyone,” he said.
“I said that when I returned to England, I didn’t want to sign just anywhere or with just anyone, as I’ve often heard. The environment, the sporting and human project had to match what I wanted.
“It happened very quickly; we spoke twice, and three or four days later, we reached an agreement. My partner is at university here, she knows the place, it’s close to her family. All the conditions were right for me to come here.”
Still did admit it’s “never pleasant when you hear things” such as him planning everything in advance to join Southampton, even before leaving Lens.
La Voix du Nord point out to Still that Southampton are one of the favourites to secure promotion and then asked whether he accepts there are high expectations on him.
“I’m used to it. I’m a football coach, and other than that, I’m a very normal person, but I know the world we live in, I know what social media does. I know what the media makes of all this. After two and a half years as head coach in France, you’re well prepared for all this. Once again, I’m very relaxed. I know what the ambitions are, the professional demands, so I got to work here. I know what’s expected,” Still explained.
He makes it clear Southampton’s goal is to return to the Premier League and explains his plans to the French newspaper.
“There are 24 teams in the league, so we already have 46 matches this season, and there will be cup competitions too… But we know it’s going to be intense, highly watched, and that we’ll have to win a lot. That’s what we have to instil in the players; it’s a hugely important task during preparation. It’s good; it’s a motivating challenge,” he added.
