Ralph Krueger: Southampton stronger after mass exodus

England midfielder Adam Lallana joined Liverpool for £25m

Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger says the club are stronger after a difficult summer transfer window.

The Saints achieved a best Premier League finish of eighth last season.

But manager Mauricio Pochettino's departure for Tottenham in May was followed by the sale of five players, including captain Adam Lallana.

Krueger told BBC Radio Solent: "We were up and down with many different types of emotions but we are extremely pleased with the end product."

Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw, Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers were sold for a combined total of £92m.

The exodus of key first-team players came after Pochettino and his staff left for Spurs.

But Ronald Koeman replaced Pochettino as manager and the club has brought in Graziano Pelle,Dusan Tadic,Ryan Bertrand,Sadio Mane,Shane Long,Florin Gardos and Fraser Forster.

Krueger, who was appointed by owner Katharina Liebherr in late February to replace Nicola Cortese, added: "We just have an outstanding group of people who did the deals over the summer.

"There was a team in place there which took care of business at multiple levels and, possibly, through the most difficult window any club has experienced.

"We think we've made good business decisions, good sports decisions. We did everything with integrity through the window.

"We have a team which is filled with character and, we feel, more depth in the line-up and I think that's something that was the goal from the get-go.

"Last season we played from a starting 11 and there was not much behind it. I feel we are (now) in a really strong position."