Claude Puel: This is the problem with the Premier League

SOUTHAMPTON manager Claude Puel fears the club’s proposed Far East takeover will put him under more pressure.

Chinese consortium Lander Sports Development are in talks with Saints owner Katherina Liebherr over a £200m deal for the south coast club.

Frenchman Puel said: “Considering the amounts being spent, the amount of TV rights and the financial catastrophe that is relegation to the Championship, the expectations quickly put the managers under pressure.

“Because there are now a lot of foreign investors who, despite being passionate, don’t necessarily possess a footballing culture or club culture, this creates an additional type of impatience.

“The Premier League also has its downside.”

Puel only took charge at St Mary’s in the summer after Ronald Koeman’s defection to Everton.

Assessing his time at the helm so far, the former Lyon and Monaco boss – who last week guided Saints to a famous Europa League win over Inter Milan – said: “Collectively, it could be better.

“But when 15 players from your squad leave for 10 days for internationals and you have three games a week – and that’s the same for many clubs – you don’t always find the time to work and refine things.”