Claude Puel has a very long track record of success in France, but insists he is fully prepared for a very different type of game in England.

The Frenchman has just one week left with his new Saints squad before leading them into the first game of the Premier League season, which will also be his debut in the competition.

The 54-year-old, a one club man as a player at Monaco, has also managed at the primnicaplity as well as with Lille, Lyon and Nice.

He has a proven track record of success as a manager, including a Ligue 1 title, and experience of the Champions League.

However, he is well aware that the Premier League is going to be a completely different beast.

“I think when I watch a game of the Premier League the rate of the game is very important,” he reflected.

“It’s important to have good physic, to repeat the runs and in every team now we can find very good players. The difference is that every player can make the difference.

“You can build a good collective, strong with a good defence but with the qualities of every player in the championship it’s difficult to keep that good defence because many strikers can make the difference.

“This is very interesting and to have the possibilities to fight with these players.”

Puel played under Arsene Wenger for seven years at Monaco, and has remained friends with his countryman during his years at Arsenal.

He did seek some advice before officially taking over at Saints, and is hoping it proves worthwhile.

“Just before, but when we can see together it is a possibility to share different things,” said Puel. “For example, we had meetings in UEFA to speak with other trainers between Champions League which is very interesting to speak with all these great trainers.

“It’s important to have a good discussion with these trainers with very good experience.

“I spoke with Arsene Wenger perhaps two weeks or three weeks before to sign at Southampton.

“He said to me the Premier League is fantastic, it is the best championship in the world, and it would be an opportunity for me and a good challenge to come here.”

It is now all about final preparations for Puel as Saints take on Athletic Bilbao this afternoon in their final friendly before the big kick-off against Watford next weekend.

Puel has had the chance to assess his squad and is happy with what he has found.

“I am lucky, I have good players, with good technique, very good spirit,” he said.

“The players are generous, conscientious, they listen. They like to progress, to improve.

“It’s important to give them possibility to do counter-attack but also set attack, to have control of the game, to keep good energy.

“For me the other team must run. It’s important also to keep the ball, also give pleasure for the fans.

“I think that players listen. It’s not always perfect of course but they try every time and we can see progress.

“It’s important to defend together, attack together and give players many solutions, many details to make a good collective.”

Some have labelled Puel’s appointment at Saints as something of a risky move following on from an established name like Ronald Koeman, and given the hugely experienced Manuel Pellegrini was willing to take over.

However, Puel doesn’t see it as a huge punt for either the club or for him.

“No, for me it is not a problem,” he insisted. “Just at the beginning perhaps to learn to speak good English.

“I’m 54, it was important now to see other things, other championships, it is a challenge.

“I know of course the championship in France. It is important to know the Premier League. Not for me a problem. I am used to work with different players, new players at Monaco, Lyon, Lille or Nice.”

He added: “It’s a good opportunity for me to know the Premier League. It’s the first championship in the world.

“It’s a good challenge for me, good players on the team.

“Every player in Premier League is also very good.

“I have a profile also that is interesting for Southampton because I like to work with young players, a strategy and philosophy of game, Southampton and me enjoy to work together.”

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