Southampton star Oriol Romeu has suggested that squad players are enjoying life more, and are feeling more confident, under current manager Claude Puel.
Speaking to the Mirror, Southampton midfielder Romeu has suggested that former Saints’ boss Ronald Koeman was more rigid in his tactics.
Southampton appointed Koeman as their manager following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham during the summer of 2014.
Despite losing a host of key players throughout his time at Southampton, Koeman managed to keep the Saints competitive and guided the club to their highest ever league finish in the Premier League last season. The club finished in 6th place, deservedly winning a Europa League place.
Over the summer Koeman left Southampton to join Everton, to be replaced by former Monaco, Lille, Lyon and Nice manager Puel.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Romeu explained where the tactical philosophies of the two managers differed.
The Spaniard said, “Koeman wanted to play from the back and if there was any risk he wouldn’t want us to take the risk. Nowadays we’re just trying to help each other and trying to get that ball from the back.
“We might lose more balls in that dangerous area but then we have more numbers in the box and we go up and down in a block. In time we will do better. This time we enjoy it more and are more confident.”
Southampton are now up to 14th in the Premier League, following their 1-0 victory Sunday at home to Swansea.
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