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Cape Town - Newly appointed Southampton manager Claude Puel is relishing testing himself in the 'best league in the world' after taking up the reins at St Mary's Stadium at the end of June.
The 54-year-old replaced Ronald Koeman at the Saints helm following a four-year spell at French outfit Nice, and has already started the process of putting his stamp on the team after signing a handful of players in the off-season.
Pacy winger Nathan Redmond was the club's first acquisition of the English summer, with Bayern Munich midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and right-back Jeremy Pied their newest additions to the squad.
And, having spent just over a month with his new team, Puel is looking forward to testing himself in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
"It was important for me to work in another championship and another competition," Puel said of his move to Southampton.
"It's important to know the Premier League and I'm used to working with different players, so I don't see it as a problem."
He added: "I think I have good players in the squad with good energy and spirit.
"The players are generous, conscientious and they listen. I think they like to play and make progress and improve.
"It's important to give them opportunities to counter-attack but also to control the game and keep a good energy."
Southampton start their Premier League campaign with a clash at home to Watford on 13 August.
