COMMENT: What to expect from Claude Puel

These two words mean relatively little without context, but they are two words that are likely to be very prominent under Claude Puel’s management at Saints.

One of the most pertinent reasons why the pretty much unknown Puel will be brought to St Mary’s is to embrace Saints’ academy that was, for all intent and purposes, ignored by predecessor Ronald Koeman.

Although Koeman did utilise James Ward-Prowse and Matt Targett from the famed academy, his most memorable contribution was to write off the young players.

“I wasn’t impressed, no,” the Dutchman said after being asked what he thought of the club’s under-21s in a 1-0 win over Chelsea, in which Fraser Forster made his injury comeback in January.

“I look to the development of young players and still they have to learn a lot and [they are] still not on the level what you need for Premier League.”

Koeman added that, out of those on display in that game, only Harrison Reed, Ryan Seager and Targett were anywhere near first team standard.

It was proof that Koeman felt that putting faith in the home-grown youngsters was too much of a risk.

Puel, like Pochettino did before him, is willing to blood youngsters, give them the responsibility that will help them develop quickly and become established in the first team.

This is why Saints’ hierarchy believe Puel is the man for the job, not to mention his style of play, which is said to involve high pressing, counter-attacking and forward-thinking full backs.

While manager of Monaco, the style of play was even regarded as flamboyant and free-scoring.

He likes to build foundations for the future.

At his former club Nice, the project there put faith in the club’s infrastructure and promoting youth.

During his four-season spell at the Allianz Riviera, his team were recognised for a style of play that would have attracted the Saints hierarchy.

Almost in a similar vein to Pochettino, Puel is said to like a high pressing game that features quick, zippy passing.

A 3-5-2 formation or a 4-1-2-1-2 is reported to be what he favoured at Nice – although he did implement a 4-2-3-1 at Lille which could be easily adapted to a 4-4-2.

The programme at Saints is comparable in regards to youth and infrastructure - albeit on a bigger scale - but Puel will have to learn quickly in the ultra-competitive Premier League.

In addition, of course, he will also have a Europa League campaign to contend with.

He has a close ally in Arsene Wenger, having worked together at Monaco.

The Arsenal manager will undoubtedly be a key contact for Puel as he settles into life at St Mary’s.

Puel has a CV that impresses in its own right, as it brims with European experience that Saints really need next term.

During his time at Lyon he took the French giants to a Champions League semi-final for the very first time - although ultimately his time at the club is considered a failure after failing to win the Ligue 1 title.

He was responsible for building a Lille team that, on a modest budget, competed on a regular basis in the Champions League, punching well above their weight.

In that golden period, Puel managed to orchestrate an unlikely victory over Manchester United.

He’d be winning many over with triumphs over United at St Mary’s.

Puel put faith in young players at various clubs and had Lille hobnobbing with Europe’s elite in spectacular fashion after constructing a young but dangerous side.

He once took a side brimming with no less than seven graduates from the club’s youth scheme to AC Milan and won 2-0 in the Champions League – becoming the first French club to win at the San Siro.

It’s all well and good just throwing in youth, but that doesn’t equate to successful nurturing of up and coming players.

Puel can provide proof that he has given youth a platform to launch their careers to superstar status as well as commitment to long-term projects.

For example, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has labelled Puel one of the most influential people on his career after he gave him his chance in Monaco’s reserve team.

Crystal Palace’s Yohan Cabaye can also thank Puel for his rise while he also brought through Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard at Lille.

While at Les Dogues he became one of the longest serving managers in French football – spending six years in charge there between 2002 and 2008.

His lengthy stint at Lille came after success with Monaco, who he played for through his entire career and where he was elevated from reserve team to first team boss in 1998.

It was there as a player where he was taken under Wenger’s wing and was encouraged to go into coaching.

Puel is viewed as an educator and found many ready learn from him at Nice.

There should be plenty of eager students at Saints.

Nathan Redmond’s £10m arrival from Norwich City began the summer spending at St Mary’s and could set a theme.

The transfer window may be highlighted with the arrival of some more English youngsters.

While Puel’s faith in youth does come with its risks, you only have to look at the way youngsters flourished at Saints under Pochettino.

Sam Gallagher and Calum Chambers are two examples.

And the Argentine has continued that work at Tottenham.

Those that he put his faith in last term, earned Spurs a Champions League spot and provided England with Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Danny Rose and Kyle Walker.