Saints Marching
Fansided

This may be the final chapter for Claude Puel as Southampton manager

By Blake Hampton

NORWICH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Claude Puel, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Norwich City and Southampton at Carrow Road on January 7, 2017 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
NORWICH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Claude Puel, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Norwich City and Southampton at Carrow Road on January 7, 2017 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger had the opportunity to discuss several different factors to the media.

There were a lot of key points to be optimistic about. One, however, seemed out of place from everything else discussed from the interview.

Fans were excited by hearing that Southampton were in no position to sell their best players as they had in the past. Of course, every player has a price-tag at the end of the day, but this was optimistic to hear.

The Saints’ fans will relish in a glimmer of hope for a short-while. However, when the topic of manager Claude Puel came up, it was a much different feeling than the rest of his jubilant discussion.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 29: Chairman of Southampton Ralph Krueger during the Premier League match between Southampton and Hull City at St Mary’s Stadium on April 29, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 29: Chairman of Southampton Ralph Krueger during the Premier League match between Southampton and Hull City at St Mary’s Stadium on April 29, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

“In my role as a chairman, I like to have people expecting more and wanting growth and wanting development because that’s what we are expecting from ourselves and that’s what we are expecting within our staff” Krueger said.

“Again, the football analysis, let it take place when these games are over. We have two really important matches, what a beautiful thing to finish the season with two home games in five days, so right now we want to celebrate the moment.

“The bigger picture football-wise will become transparent as we move into next week and the week beyond.It hasn’t been easy either to come in here as a manager, finishing eighth, seventh, sixth.

“It was definitely tough circumstances with Europe and we’ll be looking at everything, and then we’ll again be clearer after the season’s over.”

Next: Saints share mutual respect with Bournemouth

The fact that at this point there is no reassurance at this point gives me pause to think anything other than his departure seems likely.

Puel has had a good run this season, and in my opinion I do not think there was more he could have done as a manager. That does not mean, however, that his style of play of coaching methodology is a fit for what our club needs and what is necessary for the club moving forward.

It can be hoped by the fans that the board will take a good look at themselves and come up with the perfect plan for this offseason, because it could be the most important one in many years to come.

Home/Southampton FC News