Is Andre Villas-Boas the perfect fit to replace Claude Puel?
Recent speculation across social media and the national newspapers would make you think that Southampton are to soon part way’ with Frenchman Claude Puel. Marco Silva has been tipped by many to take over. But is Andre Villas-Boas a better fit for Southampton?
It has been reported across many news outlets in the past week Puel could well be on his way out. The majority of fans are seeking a change at the helm, mainly due to the style of football implemented this season.
There are also rumours that he has lost the dressing room. Reports of arguments with players have surfaced across social media. Despite no concrete evidence can back these claims up, it is a cause for concern.
Puel has guided Southampton to a Wembley appearance in the EFL Cup final this season. Alongside 8th place in the Premier League bar a poor result against Stoke on Sunday. Whilst the final result makes for good reading, many are keen for a change for the new season.
There have been a variety of candidates put up for the job by fans and media alike. The most prominent name being Marco Silva. Silva currently manages Hull Tigers, who were recently relegated from the Premier League. Despite suffering relegation, Silva has been praised for giving Hull even a chance. With little-to -no funds and selling two of the most high profile players, their relegation was only confirmed in recent weeks.
It is not yet determined where Claude Puel’s future lies. But after a recent interview by chairman Ralph Krueger, it is expected that Southampton will make an announcement on their decision within the next week or so.
Next: Southampton v Stoke preview
Is Andre Villas-Boas a good candidate? A background…
Andre Villas-Boas, commonly known as AVB, was briefly mentioned to take over at Southampton’s after Koeman’s departure. Currently managing Chinese Super League club Shangai SIPG, AVB, despite being only 39, has a wealth of experience as a coach.
His CV boasts working as manager of Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Whilst working alongside Jose Mourinho and Sir Bobby Robson in his younger years. He never played the game at a professional level, but has been involved with high profile clubs since age 17, working alongside Robson at Porto.
His managerial honours boast the Portuguese title, cup and UEFA Europa League. All in the 2010-11 season. Alongside the Russian Premier League with Zenit St Petersburg.
Would he fit ‘The Southampton Way’?
Initial criticism of Claude Puel was his insistence on changing the system that fared Southampton well for years. When Puel came into the team he opted to change from a 4-2-3-1 formation to a diamond formation. Although as the season went on Puel reverted back to the 4-2-3-1 system, it is clear the diamond shape is his preferred way of playing.
AVB began his managerial career playing a 4-1-4-1 formation, using his lone central midfielder as a pivot point for the team. He did decide to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation when he began his career in England. Citing the extra protection in front of the defence as the key reason for this.
He puts great emphasis in improving players too, something Southampton fans would love to see. AVB can take a large portion of the credit for the rate of improvement made by former Saint Gareth Bale. He was in charge of the Spurs team after that 90th minute winner by Gareth Bale at West Ham United. Bale produced his best goalscoring form under AVB at Spurs before his big money move to Real Madrid.
Not only Bale, Hulk is someone who has played under AVB at Porto, Zenit and now Shanghai SIPG. Hulk has been reported to have said he was very happy to be reunited with him when AVB took over at Zenit.
It is also reported that Southampton’s very own Director of Football, Les Reed, is a firm friend of AVB and that they share the same values in many aspects of the game. From the way the game should be played, to the development of players within the academy. With Southampton having a huge focus on the way their academy is run, both parties may benefit from a working relationship.
Is AVB to Southampton a possibility?
The short coming with bringing AVB to Southampton is, as always, money. He is currently managing in the hugely lucrative Chinese Super League. He is sure to be earning far more than Southampton could offer him. But after previous short comings in the Premier League he may grab the chance to jump on a project and prove his worth.
With Les Reed’s supposed friendship and the attractive position that being the Southampton manager is, it is a perfect opportunity for a still young manager to implement his style on a team seemingly lost in identity terms at the moment.
My Verdict
I am personally a huge fan of AVB. I feel he can bring back the identity to the club that has seemingly gone missing over the last season. He is very clued up tactically and has already gained experience around the world. He has broken records, won titles and improved players. These are all situations I would love to happen at St Mary’s.
The possibility of it happening is a different matter, I’m sure Southampton is more of a challenge than his current job in China. Whether he is willing to risk what he has for this job is questionable.
If the Southampton board choose to sack Puel, I believe this man should be top of the list.