Football Season Guide

Claude Puel enjoyed a fairly decent first season in charge of Southampton last time around, guiding them to a top half finish while only a harsh refereeing decision in the League Cup final prevented them from staying in the hunt for their first major trophy in over five decades. While an 8th placed finish represents a good campaign for Puel, the Saints were 15 points short of Everton who finished seventh. The League Cup loss also sapped the morale from the squad as Southampton limped over the finish line with just six points from their final eight games. The club reacted by relieving Puel of his job and have brought in Mauricio Pellegrino as his replacement as they look for a far more successful campaign this time around. Pellegrino's job though will be difficult and while Southampton have avoided selling their key players so far in the transfer window, Virgil van Dijk's head looks to have been turned with the defender angling for a move away as Chelsea and Liverpool hover. While rivals who finished both below and above them in the league table have splashed the cash, Southampton have brought in just one player so far with Jan Bednarek arriving from Lech Poznan while Jay Rodriguez and Cuco Martina have both left the club. Pellegrino will be hoping that the club becomes more active in the market and will be aware that further reinforcements are needed before the transfer window shuts down. One of the major complaints with Puel was the cautious approach of the side and Pellegrino will be expected to adopt a more adventurous outlook. Pre-season has been pretty decent for Southampton, barring their heavy defeat to Augsburg, and with the club facing a fairly easy set of opening fixtures, Pellegrino will be hoping to quickly win over the supporters as well with a good start to the campaign.