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Southampton declare lofty ambitions for new boss Claude Puel: Sixth or higher wanted
SOUTHAMPTON have challenged Claude Puel to better last season’s sixth-place Premier League finish, after confirming the Frenchman as their new manager on a three-year deal.
Claude Puel managed Nice to fourth place in Ligue 1 last season
The 54-year-old former Monaco and Nice boss replaces Ronald Koeman, who left for Everton earlier this summer, while former Aston Villa coach Eric Black has been named as Puel’s assistant.
Pascal Plancque has also joined Puel’s backroom staff, while Southampton have agreed a deal to retain Dave Watson among the coaching set-up.
“Claude has a fantastic platform to work from and is aware that our ambition is to repeat and improve on our performances in the Premier League over the past three seasons,” said Southampton’s executive director of football Les Reed.
“Claude has a track record of improving the situations he has been presented with and we are confident he can repeat this at Southampton.
“Claude clearly came out on top of a very impressive shortlist. We have not only got the best man, but the right coaching team to support him.”