CLAUDE Puel has opened up on his time managing Saints and Leicester City.

The Frenchman is currently out of work after his spells with Saints (2016-17) and Leicester, who sacked him after 18 months in charge in February.

Puel admits he struggled to communicate when he first arrived at St Mary’s as Ronald Koeman’s replacement in June 2016.

He told the French sports newspaper L’Equipe: “When I arrived in Southampton, it was difficult to find the words and to get the messages over, in the feeling and the sensations I had trouble.

“But, the last six months in Southampton, then in Leicester, there have not been any particular problems. I mastered the essential and I managed to get what I want.”

“I arrived there (at Southampton) thanks to my results in France, my show in the Champions League (with Lille and Lyon) and the development of players.

“I was taken for what I could bring in the development of a team’s game. But you have to bring something else, an image for the fans and the media.”

Puel was sacked by Saints after one season despite leading the club to eighth place and the EFL Cup final.

But he points out that he is in good company.

“One year in the Premier League is already very good.

“[Antonio] Conte arrived at Chelsea with a pedigree behind him, he was coach of Italy, he won a championship and a cup and Chelsea didn’t keep him. Same with (Manuel) Pellegrini, when he was sacked from Manchester City.

“Here, it’s very strong. Even when you won a European Cup, you get fired. It’s part of the game. Three bad matches can be enough to annoy the owner.

“It’s the short term that interests them, not how the coach thought about winning this game.

“We must try to match the development of the team and the players with the short term. But we all know that there is a gap.

“Look at the renewal of coaching in England. Except Klopp or Guardiola, who arrive with a staff and a track record and who have more time, nobody is safe.”

l Anthony Taylor will be the referee for Saints' match at Newcastle United on Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm).

He will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, while Kevin Friend will be the fourth official.