Southampton are considering potential appointments if they decide to part company with Claude Puel this summer, and Louis van Gaal has been linked.
Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal
A report in the Daily Mirror has suggested that Louis van Gaal could be in line to make a return to the Premier League this summer, with Southampton considering targeting the Dutchman should they decide to replace Claude Puel.
The Mirror reports that Puel is facing an uncertain future with the Saints. Despite leading the side to eighth in the top flight, almost guiding the club through the group-stages of the Europa League and, of course, reaching the EFL Cup final where they were narrowly – and perhaps unfairly – beaten by Manchester United, the Frenchman is unpopular with a large section of supporters.
Southampton manager Claude Puel is facing an uncertain future
According to the Mirror, Puel could be on his way out, while van Gaal is one of the names that the Southampton hierarchy have discussed as a potential replacement.
Van Gaal has been out of work since leaving Manchester United in 2016, and the Mirror suggests that he would be open to offers from English clubs.
Van Gaal left Manchester United at the end of last season
Given that the 65-year-old endured a difficult time at Old Trafford – though he won the FA Cup, the style of play was often criticised – it would be a surprise if a move to St Mary’s did not appeal to him.
Saints have the potential to push much closer to that top seven and have an excellent record of uncovering some largely-unestablished players who regularly turn out to be brilliant acquisitions, and having a manager with van Gaal’s stature may perhaps help them keep some of those players at St Mary’s.
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