Claude Puel has been appointed as the new manager of Southampton on a three-year contract, the Premier League club has confirmed.
The 54-year-old, who has never worked outside of France, succeeds Ronald Koeman following the Dutchman’s move to Everton.
The Frenchman spent his playing career at Monaco, where he was coached by Arsène Wenger, before making his management debut in the principality.
Puel won Ligue 1 in 2000 and then went on to enjoy a six-year spell at Lille, before taking over at Lyon and leading them to the Champions League semi-finals.
He has spent the last four years as the coach of Nice, who last season finished fourth in Ligue 1.
Southampton's executive director of football Les Reed.
"Claude clearly came out on top of a very impressive shortlist," he said.
"We have not only got the best man, but the right coaching team to support him.
"In order to ensure we appointed a manager who would meet our needs as a club, feedback from the dressing room, as well as taking account of our culture, vision and values was critical in drawing up our criteria for the appointment."
#SaintsFC confirms the appointment of Claude Puel as its First Team Manager on a three-year deal! #SaintClaude https://t.co/BuWjQIqljf
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) June 30, 2016
The club has confirmed that former Aston Villa coach Eric Black and Pascal Plancque will become part of Puel's backroom staff, while a deal to retain Dave Watson among the coaching set-up has been agreed.
Despite finishing in sixth position and qualifying for the Europa League, it could be another season of transition at St. Marty’s following the departure of Koeman and Sammy Lee, as well as losing Victor Wanyama to Tottenham and Saido Mané to Liverpool.
Puel made more than 500 appearances for Monaco before turning to management in 1999 after 17 seasons on the club's playing staff.
Saints have already brought in Nathan Redmond to offset the loss of Mane to Liverpool, but Puel could well seek a holding midfielder to replace Tottenham capture Wanyama.
Despite the change in personnel, Reed insists there is a positive vibe within the club of the season ahead and believes Puel’s European pedigree will stand the club in good stead.
"There is already a confidence and excitement in the building as some of the squad has returned for testing and they are in great shape,” he said.
"Claude has a fantastic platform to work from and is aware that our ambition is to repeat and improve on our performances in the Premier League over the past three seasons.
"His Champions League and European experience will be valuable in our Europa League challenge this coming season and with the support of our excellent staff at the club I am sure he will do well.”
