Many football fans and pundits around the UK were surprised that Southampton parted ways with Claude Puel after only one season in charge.
Puel guided the Saints to an 8th place finish and a Wembley cup final, which would normally represent a successful season. By numbers, however, the story is slightly different.
In the 2016/17 campaign, Southampton finished closer to the relegation zone (12 points off) than to 7th place (15 points off). A measly return of 41 goals coupled with a dull and uninspiring brand of football explains why Saints’ fans were somewhat disappointed by the season.
Given the continuous improvement that Southampton have achieved in previous seasons under Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman, it was always going to be unrealistic for Saints fans to expect that upward trajectory to continue. What can’t be compromised, however, is the clubs philosophy and style of football which has been the foundation for that recent success.
Now, with Mauricio Pellegrino at the helm of the club, we have a look and what us fans will be hoping and expecting from the Saints in 2017/18.
