Saints Marching
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Marching On: 7 Keys to Southampton’s Success This Season

By Aaron Preston

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: General view of St Mary's Stadium as the teams walk out prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on May 15, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: General view of St Mary's Stadium as the teams walk out prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on May 15, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Claude Puel looks on during a Olympique Lyon press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League match against FC Schalke 04 at Veltins Arena on November 23, 2010 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Claude Puel looks on during a Olympique Lyon press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League match against FC Schalke 04 at Veltins Arena on November 23, 2010 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

7. Pick Your Battles
As tough as it is to swallow, it’s true: Claude Puel and Southampton are faced with some tough decisions. What success consists of, and how the squad will get there, is going to be key to a team that still lacks proven-starter level quality in its depth. Southampton faithful are going to want a team that displays quality in the European and domestic cups, and still improves on its league position from last year. 

Hitting both of those targets is a tall order for even the best of teams. Barring a truly miraculous season, Southampton faithful may be forced to accept a temporary backslide in League position as the price of doing business in the Europa League.

Conversely, if new boss Claude Puel decides that improving on the club’s position in the Premier League is more beneficial to team development and his own job security, the fans may be forced to accept a quick exit from Europe and an empty trophy case from this year’s haul. It’s not something any fan wants to hear, but such is life in European football.