PUEL HITS BACK AT SAINTS AXE SHOCKER

SOUTHAMPTON boss Claude Puel insists he does not fear the sack and defended his first season in charge at St Mary’s.

Puel is battling to save his job after coming under fire from Saints fans over his style of play and claims of training ground spats with members of his squad.

But the Frenchman (above), who guided Saints to the EFL Cup final, said: “I am surprised to see these reports.

“For me, it has been an interesting season with many games – European games and the final at Wembley against Manchester United.

“We have improved players like Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse, and got them into the national (England) team.

“I came here for a project, to continue this work, to improve many players like Maya Yoshida, like Oriol Romeu and like Jack Stephens.

“I think it’s important to continue this work for the future of Southampton and to correct some details

“We are ninth in the table with all these games and injuries. I think this is OK.

“Now it is important to finish the season strongly.

“I want always to try to improve. We have the second youngest team in the league and next season we can play good football.

“I do not feel pressure because I am focused about the work and about the training sessions.”

Southampton haven’t won a Premier League match since April 8. But they travel to Anfield tomorrow, looking for a repeat of their EFL Cup semi-final victory over Champions League-chasing Liverpool.

Puel added: “Liverpool are a good team but I am sure we can have opportunities to win this game.”