Multiple reports across Europe have tabbed Claude Puel as the next manager of Southampton, with his appointment set to come sometime this week. Puel will replace Ronald Koeman, who moved to Everton last week.
The 54-year-old Frenchman has managed across Ligue 1 since 1999, taking charge of Monaco, Lille, Lyon, and Nice. He won the league with Monaco in 2000 - his first-ever season as manager - and made the Champions League semifinals with Lyon in 2010. Puel parted ways with Nice this summer after four seasons in charge, the last of which saw them finish 11th. This will be his first job outside of France.
As a player, Puel spent his entire 17-year career with Monaco, the final nine of those coming during the managerial tenure of Arsene Wenger. Puel is known for his willingness to promote youth players, such as Eden Hazard whom he groomed at Lille. He also isn’t afraid to bring in young players, such as Hugo Lloris and Dejan Lovren, both of whom came to Lyon from elsewhere at age 20 while Puel was in charge.
The Southampton players return for preliminary training on Tuesday, so reports say the club would like to have its managerial situation sorted out by then.