?Southampton boss Claude Puel insists he does not feel pressured about losing his job, despite recent reports claiming he could be sacked at the end of the season.
The Saints manager came under heavy criticism following their goalless draw with Hull City last Saturday, with the Tigers winning only their second away point this season. However, he has defended himself and his team ahead of their trip to Liverpool on Saturday.
2 – Hull picked up only their second away point in the top-flight this season under Marco Silva (in eight away games). Battle.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) 29 April 2017
The ?Daily Echo? reported that Puel believes that Southampton have had a good season even though they find themselves in eighth position, claiming the top six teams have been dominant this season after their lavish spending whilst Southampton have managed to develop younger players into integral parts of the senior team.
Puel said: “I am surprised to see this because it seems for me it is an interesting season with many games with the European games, the FA Cup games and with the final at Wembley against Manchester United.
“We improved players like Redmond, like Ward-Prowse for the first time in the national team, and many players can improve.
“It was interesting work I think and it is a surprise for me to see or to read all this speculation.”
Southampton currently find themselves in 10th position in the Premier League – following eighth, seventh and sixth place finishes in the last three seasons – and are 17 points away from a European qualification place.
One criticism which has been highlighted this season is the Saints lack of goals scored. They have currently scored 39 goals in 33 games, with their joint top goal scorers being Nathan Redmond and Charlie Austin – who has only played 13 games this season due to injury – who have both scored six goals.
Asked about whether or not he felt the pressure, Puel responded:
“I am surprised to see this or to read this, but I cannot sometimes understand this because it is important to keep this way, this work, and I repeat there are interesting games and work since the beginning of the season with the squad.”
The Saints will need to step up their performances with games against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United coming up. However, it is clear that Puel believes Southampton have had a good season so far, and they will be looking to finish the season strongly to shows some signs of encouragement to the fans for next season.
admin
