Claude Puel became Southampton manager this summer.
New Southampton manager Claude Puel has admitted that he spoke with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger asking for advice ahead of his move to St. Mary’s Stadium this past summer, Sky Sports report.
The French coach took charge of the Saints following former manager Ronald Koeman’s controversial decision to trade the south coast for Everton.
Puel took charge of a Premier League club for the first time in his career, and prior to moving to Southampton he says he spoke to upcoming rival Wenger asking for advice on the Premier League.
“Before signing for Southampton I spoke with him about the possibilities to coach in England. He said to me it would be a very good challenge to coach in England in the greatest championship in the world,” Puel told Sky Sports.
“It was important to sign for Southampton and to play against these managers.”
Puel, 54, was a former Monaco player under Arsene Wenger but since moving into management their paths haven’t crossed despite Arsenal and French duo Lille and Lyon regularly playing in the Champions League.
The two are set to face each other this weekend when Arsenal host Southampton, and it’s an important game for Puel as his side haven’t made the best of starts under his guidance.
The Saints have taken just two points from a possible nine so far, while the Gunners on the other hand have taken four points and come in to the game off the back of a 3-1 win at Watford.
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