http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/45768/ Ugly Inside suggesting that it has been decided for some time that Puel is leaving....perhaps even before the end of the season. Not sure about that, but the delay in any announcement does suggest that both the club and manager are looking for a dual face-saving solution. Cannot believe that a quick statement of support wouldn't have come out if he was staying. And no way would he deserve the sack, so I can believe that Saints are waiting till he has a job to try to avoid being slated in the press as we were after sacking Adkins. It may be fun suggesting managers for Saints (though it is wearing a bit thin now), but we don't have much of a record predicting what Les et al will do.
Spalletti is supposed to be going to Inter, Di Franceso from Sassualo(I know I've spelt that wrong) is replacing him at Roma. Mauricio Pellegrino is suppose to be heading back to Argentina because of family reasons.
Think this was expected - he is going to Inter. He's annoyed a few people recently I think particularly about Totti (he was sub quite often).
I don't think it's beyond the realms of possibility that this was sorted before the end of the season. Results/performances tailed off and if rumours were circulating amongst players, this may have contributed. It's been mentioned lots on here about Claude's wife being homesick, combine that with the fact he's out of the house 10-12 hours a day minimum, this could conceivably lead to a situation where he would seek a move to lower the pressure.
I can believe his wife is unsettled...she is an older woman. A young player's wife would have the others for instant company and help, but harder for a mature lady who is also the boss's wife. And much as we like Southampton, it is hardly a cultural hot spot. Nigel Adkins' wife never moved down here...we all know how much he looked forward to his 'touch of romance' when she came down.
Tuchel sacked as expected. I fully expect to see Wenger sign a new contract tomorrow so he won't be off to arsenal. I'd bloody love him at Saints! Although realistically he will go to a bigger European club. I'd like us to at least try and put the feelers out!
