Puel confident Saints can challenge on all fronts

AFTER a winless first four games of the season, Southampton boss Claude Puel is convinced his Saints have well and truly turned the corner in September and are now capable of competing on multiple fronts.

Southampton drew with Sunderland and Watford and lost against Arsenal and Manchester United as Puel’s men experienced a difficult start to the new Premier League season.

But after winning three straight games in September – they beat Sparta Prague in the Europa League, Swansea in the Premier League and Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup – Puel is optimistic of Southampton challenging for silverware this season.

(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

The squad depth was questioned in the summer, with Southampton embarking on a gruelling European campaign on Thursday nights but Puel insists his new signings have now settled and is he expecting a strong season from his Saints.       

“We will see the future,” he said. “It’s important to continue and to play all these competitions.

“It’s very interesting for the players and this squad. If my players keep this very good attitude and spirit, and we can move the team around to keep our energy, this bodes very well for the future.

“Now we must focus and go to play West Ham, which is a very difficult game.”