“?Southampton make their Europa League debut on Thursday evening with Sparta Prague the visitors to St Mary’s and manager Claude Puel has called on the help of England Rugby Union head coach Eddie Jones to aid their preparations for the clash,“? report the Sun.
Having failed to progress through the qualification stages last season, the Saints boss is hoping Jones will give his players an edge as they embark on their European campaign.
Here’s a round-up of the talking points from #SaintsFC boss Claude Puel’s press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game: https://t.co/eBJDPbi3aI
The rugby coach spent time at Southampton’s Staplewood training ground on Wednesday to brainstorm ideas with Frenchman Puel who is still looking for his first win as Southampton manager after succeeding Ronald Koeman at the helm.
Following underwhelming home draws with Watford and Sunderland, the 55-year-old welcomed the visit of Jones and praised the rugby coach’s leadership skills.
England rugby head coach Eddie Jones is here at Southampton’s training ground taking notes on a session: pic.twitter.com/dei1Y3MSwV
“It was a good meeting. Eddie is a good man and a good trainer. It’s interesting to meet him and to discuss tactics in rugby “? there’s a similarity with football.
“He makes progress because rugby and football and other sports develop all the time with the personality of the players,” he stated.
It is not the first time that the south coast side have involved themselves with a top level rugby coach. St Mary’s faithful will remember the club’s work with Sir Clive Woodward, who led England to World Cup glory in 2003.
In a role as performance director, Woodward was unable to replicate his previous successes following the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League in 2005.
Just ten years prior to tonight’s Europa League kick off, the club found themselves marooned in mid table of the Championship whilst Woodward left his role after just a year in the job.
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