Southampton v Sparta Prague: Claude Puel drafts in the help of England rugby union coach Eddie Jones to try and help them in the Europa League
SOUTHAMPTON are hoping Eddie Jones will help them pack a punch in Europe.
The England rugby union coach spent time at Saints’ training ground ahead of tonight’s visit of Sparta Prague.
Claude Puel has had England rugby union coach Eddie Jones over to watch training sessionsReutersEddie Jones helped England’s rugby team win the Six Nations Grand Slam earlier this yearGetty ImagesTeam GB won field hockey gold in RioNews Group Newspapers LtdTeam GB hockey coach Danny Kerry will try to pass on any tips for conquering the worldGetty Images
But Jones revealed much of his inspiration came from gold medal-winning Team GB women’s hockey coach Danny Kerry — one of a number of top sporting coaches he is brainstorming with.
Saints boss Claude Puel was delighted to welcome Aussie Jones to pick his brains.
Mind you, he could have cut out the middle man and gone straight to the hockey girls given Saints’ track record with rugby top brass.
St Mary’s die-hards still shudder at the memory of the time rugby-loving chairman Rupert Lowe appointed Sir Clive Woodward as director of football in 2005.
Puel said: “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.
Related Articles
Preview
Leicester vs Liverpool: What time is kick off, what TV channel is it on and what is the latest team news?
DESTINATION ZLATAN
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's future remains in doubt... but could the Manchester United star really depart this summer?
PREM LIVE
Leicester vs Liverpool live: Follow all of the build-up to the Premier League clash - how will Foxes fight back after Claudio Ranieri sacking?
The Safe One
Jose Mourinho is protected by Security Dan... the same bodyguard who keeps Jeremy Kyle safe
fan's claim to fame
Man Utd supporter says he forced Liverpool to change their Twitter bio after EFL Cup final victory
DJ CLICHY
Gael Clichy takes a full set of DJ decks on to flight home from Man City’s mid-season break in Abu Dhabi
Shake up
Who is Leicester interim boss Craig Shakespeare? The man who has stepped into Claudio Ranieri's shoes
TV TIMES
What TV channel is Leicester vs Liverpool on, what time is kick off and what is the latest team news?
'He moved me greatly'
Bastian Schweinsteiger praised by formerly suicidal ref for stopping him from killing himself
TAXING TIMES
Lionel Messi and Neymar may be barred from UK for Champions League final over tax row, says Uefa boss
Bags to riches
La Liga ref carries Real Madrid bag filled with merch after awarding them dodgy penalty in win over Villarreal
Miracle Drog
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba's mum reveals the striker is a 'double medical miracle' after traumatic pregnancy
Southampton agonisingly lost to Arsenal thanks to Santi Cazorla’s last-minute penalty on the weekendGetty Images
“It is always interesting to share different ideas of football and other sports. I hope what we discussed will help in the match.”
Saints are playing in the Europa League group stage for the first time after missing out in qualification last year.
Puel has warned fans his side face a tall order to get off to a winning start against European veterans Sparta.
The former Monaco and Lyon chief added: “It’s not easy to play the Europa League because good teams are used to playing in the competition.
“For many players in my squad it is the first time. It’s different and difficult and hard to deal with all the emotion. Sparta have had many appearances.”
Leave a comment