Claude Puel Holds First Pre Match Press Conference

Claude Pule has spoken at his first pre match press conference ahead of the Premier League opener against Watford.

Claude Puel showed that he has a good command of English as he told today's press conference that he is looking to play a possession game that will rely on a good link between the midfield and attack to turn defensive situations into attacking ones.

He also spoke of his hopes for Nathan Redmond and that he is confident that the new signing could surprise a few people with his ability to play either as a wide player or in a more central attacking role and that he is quite capable of scoring the goals that will replace some of those lost by the departure of Pelle and Mane.

Puel also spoke of the transfer situation, saying how difficult it is for both the club and players, he spoke of how important it was to keep Jose Fonte and that he felt that there would be no possibility of the Portugese central defender leaving.

However he was would not be drawn on whether there had been direct interest in Fonte, although you felt that perhaps there had been as the Frenchman veered off into saying how professional Fonte had been since returning to St Mary's and that he would be able to take this into his performances and would have a good spirit.

He also confirmed that Ryan Bertrand would play no part against Watford but could play the following game.

Apart from that though all the other squad members were available for the visit of Watford.

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