Claude Puel: Arsene Wenger was important, but I must be me
Sunday 27 November 2016 19:16, UK
Claude Puel insists he must keep his own identity at Southampton despite Arsene Wenger's big influence on him.
Southampton have not won any of their last four Premier League fixtures heading into their clash with Everton this weekend, live on Sky Sports Super Sunday.
Live Nissan Super Sunday
Puel's side have had mixed form since the Frenchman took over from now-Everton boss Ronald Koeman in the summer, with their three league wins coming in back-to-back September fixtures.
Having taken his first steps into coaching under the tutelage of Wenger, Puel insists he is still learning, but wants to keep his own unique identity.
"Of course, Arsene Wenger was very important for me," Puel told Sky Sports News HQ. "I learned from him during seven years at Monaco, it's a long time and now it's interesting to see all the great trainers to develop what I can do.
"I think it is important always to keep my character because it is my personality. But it is interesting to stay open with all the styles, the possibilities of the team.
"The work of every trainer is interesting. When we can play against all these interesting teams it's interesting to adapt, to find solutions and to analyse the game. It's a high level."
Saints face a final matchday showdown with Hapoel Be'er Sheva to ensure their Europa League progression after losing 1-0 to Sparta Prague on Thursday.
Puel admits it is difficult for any Premier League team to compete in Europe though, revealing why he is not surprised Tottenham Hotspur have suffered an early exit from the Champions League at the hands of his former club.
"I was happy for the result of Monaco because Monaco was my club during 25 years, all my career was in Monaco," said Puel. "I saw the game against Tottenham, I saw Tottenham tired, without energy.
"I think it is very difficult to play Premier League and to play a European game also. Monaco has good players, good level. They're technical, physical, the result was normal for me.
"But it is very difficult for English clubs to play different competitions because the Premier League is difficult every week."
Although Puel admits learning English was a difficult challenge when arriving in the Premier League, he has explained why he is enjoying every aspect of football on the south coast.
"No, I don't see," said Puel, when asked if he has found anything difficult about English football culture. "It's all OK for me. I like the atmosphere around the football, our fans, the press, the TV shows around the football, it's very interesting.
"I like the English football because all people like and know the football. It's very interesting, it's not just to see a game, it's also to analyse, to understand and I like this."
Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price. Hurry, offer ends December 4!
