Keep up. Puel is the new man, by all accounts. Should be confirmed next week as players return for pre-season, we launch our kit, reveal a signing or two, extend a couple of contracts and get into preseason.
Would love to know where 1/3 on Klinsmann came from if he was never even considered, or how much it took to shift the odds in that direction. At least the other runners had legs Pellegrini had by some way the most impressive C.V. so we'll just have to trust Les on this one I think and get behind it. Not reading too much into win percentages or past achievements, because he's never had a Steven Davis
I can see some players who may have be wondering whether to stay or go after Koeman's departure saying 'Claude who? How's he going to benefit my career? Nah, I'm off'.
I recall Rickie saying that some players were questioning the decision to bring in that Mauricio chappy too. It worked out well for everyone, though. 'Wait and see' is the best policy for all, I think.
What, like they did when Nigel "who?" Adkins, or Pochettino took over? I can't remember a single player leaving in those cases. Of course lots of players left or wanted to when the famous RK took over. I don't think that's how it works.
They would have had a list of preferred candidates, not one. You still need to go through due process.
For kicks, decided to look at the change in fortunes for Puel's clubs before and after his term. Full seasons where he managed are in bold; partial seasons in bolded italics. Monaco: '97/'98 - 3rd, 59 points. '98/'99 - 4th, 62 points. '99/'00 - 1st, 65 points. '00/'01 - 11th, 43 points. '01/'02 - 15th, 39 points. '02/'03 - 2nd, 67 points. Lille: '00/'01 - 3rd, 64 points. '01/'02 - 5th, 56 points. '02/'03 - 14th, 42 points. '03/'04 - 10th, 51 points. '04/'05 - 2nd, 67 points. '05/'06 - 3rd, 60 points. '06/'07 - 10th, 50 points. '07/'08 - 7th, 57 points. '08/'09 - 5th, 64 points. '09/'10 - 4th, 70 points. Lyon: '06/'07 - 1st, 81 points. '07/'08 - 1st, 79 points. '08/'09 - 3rd, 71 points. '09/'10 - 2nd, 72 points. '10/'11 - 3rd, 64 points. '11/'12 - 3rd, 74 points. '12/13 - 6th, 62 points. Nice: '10/'11 - 17th, 46 points. '11/'12 - 13th, 42 points. '12/'13 - 4th, 64 points. '13/'14 - 17th, 42 points. '14/'15 - 11th, 48 points. '15/'16 - 4th, 63 points. (not including the partial season) Average points total with: 57.1. Average points total without: 61.8. Man, the French league is swingy.
I believe the circumstances and the players and their beliefs of where they should be are completely different to previous situations. We shall see I suppose.
In other words not exactly a ringing endorsement - sort of mediocre... neither am I reading anything about him that he has a reputation for bringing on youth, fast-flowing attacking football, great tactical awareness, strong motivational skills, etc. Happy to be corrected if my summation is misleading... actually I would %$£^ing delighted if someone could provide some seriously positive spin on this possible appointment!
Unlike other appointments, I thought Pardew and Adkins were very good, the Argentine I was m'eh about but unhappy about the way it was processed, Poundman I thought was good but this one is leaving me decidedly non-plussed. It does appear as if he was fourth choice. To be fair to me it is first time I've genuinely not been happy with a manager's appointment in a long time. It's all about points of view, I know mine is negative but I am not going to pretend I feel another way or pretend to be positive when I'm not.
Remember 'Wenger who?' Perhaps we will be crying years down the line when he finally has to leave us. Unless anyone can show me he is hopeless or a dreadful person, I'm going to wait and see. He must have been impressive in interview (if indeed he is hired), so if the match is that good, Saints may turn out perfect for him. Who knows, but no point going postal about it.
So, if Claude is now appointed, does he/will he in future have to apply for a work permit? Could maybe do with a 'How Brexit affects the future of British football' thread....
The FA set the rules on qualification for playing in England...this had to be suspended by law for EEC members. It depends how hardball they want to play it. Going to take some time to sort out details anyway...we remain in the EEC for now.
