Claude Puel: Southampton sack manager after one season in charge

Puel presided over 19 wins, 10 draws and 18 defeats in all competitions at Southampton

Southampton have sacked manager Claude Puel after one season in charge.

The 55-year-old Frenchman, who was appointed in June 2016, led Saints to eighth in the Premier League last season despite losing 16 games.

They also reached the League Cup final, their first major final since 2003.

A Southampton statement read: "The search for a new management team is under way. We are confident that we will find the right fit in line with the long-term vision of the club."

Puel spent four years as manager of Nice before replacing Ronald Koeman, who led Southampton to sixth in the table in 2015-16.

Southampton were beaten 3-2 by Manchester United in the League Cup final in February.

They managed only one win in their final eight league matches of the season and scored one goal in the last six games.

The club statement read: "Everyone at Southampton would like to express our thanks to Claude for his hard work and commitment this year.

"The highlight of the season was a memorable day at Wembley in the EFL Cup final, a day our fans will always treasure."

Puel is the third manager to leave Southampton in the past three years, following Mauricio Pochettino's departure for Tottenham and Koeman's move to Everton.

The former Monaco boss was sacked exactly one year after Koeman departed on 14 June 2016.

Puel was appointed on 30 June, 2016 and it is understood the Saints are looking at a similar time frame to name their next manager.

The club are believed to already have a shortlist in place, with the potential candidates each having a similar profile to the last three managers.

Analysis - 'Sacked for a poor end to the season'

Radio Solent sports editor Adam Blackmore:

On the surface it looks a harsh decision, but what Claude Puel has really been sacked for is a poor end to the season and a lack of goals and ambition at St Mary's.

They only scored 17 goals in 19 home games and didn't score in six of their last seven home matches.

Despite that good league finish and the cup final, Puel never really convinced the fans and that was the biggest problem. They didn't really have confidence in him by the time the season ended.