Southampton appointing Thomas Tuchel as next manager if they sack Claude Puel would be masterstroke

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Claude Puel’s future at Southampton appears to be up in the air, while Thomas Tuchel has been linked with the post.

Southampton manager Claude Puel’s future is up in the air

The Sun reported back in April that Southampton were considering a move for former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel if they decided to sack Claude Puel this summer.

Puel has done a decent job with the Saints, guiding them to another top-half finish in the Premier League and an EFL Cup final. However, the disappointing style of play has left a large section of supporters to ask the hierarchy for a change, and it appears that the board may be prepared to listen.

Former Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel is apparently on the Saints’ radar

The Daily Echo recently suggested that the club will consider Puel’s position this summer. And while it remains to be seen what decision they come to, it could definitely be argued that if they do decide to make a change, a move for Tuchel should be a priority.

The 43-year-old enjoyed an excellent two years in charge of Dortmund despite the fact that the post at the Westfalenstadion should have been a daunting task given that he was following on from Jurgen Klopp.

Tuchel was excellent during his time at Dortmund

Southampton have tended to appoint somewhat unestablished managers in recent years – even Ronald Koeman’s managerial career had been somewhat underwhelming in the years immediately leading up to his appointment – and that has surely not helped them avoid the player sales that seem to define all of their recent summers.

Appointing someone like Tuchel, who will surely be receiving numerous offers while he is out of the game, would be a major statement from the south coast club, and it would not be a surprise if some players are not only keen to move to St Mary’s if he is appointed, but envisage enjoying long-term stays with the club because of his presence.

And with the exhilarating football he oversaw at Dortmund, there appears to be absolutely no reason why the Saints should not break the bank if they need to and target Tuchel if they decide to part company with Puel.

It could be the match made in heaven from their perspective that allows them to finally deliver on the years of potential that have never been allowed to be fully realised.