Claude Puel – Southampton
Southampton have seen major changes in both management and their line-up since their return to the Premier League in 2012. Despite the constant turnover, the Saints have been able to produce both a competitive and successful side seemingly each year since. The current man in charge this campaign is Claude Puel.
After spending over two decades at AS Monaco as a player and manager, Puel went on to lead several of Ligue 1’s top clubs. One of his finest achievements was a semi-final appearance with Lyon in the UEFA Champions League during the 2009-10 season, defeating Real Madrid along the way.
Southampton have seen managers Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman move on in the past few years. Seemingly each transfer window sees them lose key players, with Liverpool especially taking a liking to their roster recently.
But through all of these struggles, new leaders step up both on the pitch and in the manager role. Puel has shown signs early on that he may be the next to keep the Saints marching ahead.
Currently sitting mid-table, Southampton have been competitive in nearly every match this season. Fraser Forster is a solid goalkeeper with a talented backline. A defensive midfielder in his playing days, Puel has seen his current side excel at that position as well.
The Frenchman’s use of full-back Ryan Bertrand in the attack has been sublime, evidenced in their EFL Cup quarter-final victory at Arsenal last week.
This is Claude Puel’s first season not only in the Premier League, but his first outside of France. He has adjusted well and looks comfortable in his new role.