# Claude Puel > French football manager (born 1961) **Wikidata**: [Q128898](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q128898) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Puel) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/claude-puel ## Summary Claude Puel is a French football manager and former player, born in 1961. He is best known for his managerial career in top-flight French and English football, including leading AS Monaco to a Ligue 1 title and managing Premier League clubs Southampton and Leicester City. ## Biography - Born: 2 September 1961 - Nationality: French - Education: Not specified in source material - Known for: Football management and playing career - Employer(s): AS Monaco, Lille OSC, Lyon, Saint-Étienne, Nice, Southampton, Leicester City, OGC Nice - Field(s): Association football (soccer) ## Contributions Claude Puel has made significant contributions to football as both a player and manager. As a player, he represented France at the international level and played for clubs including AS Monaco. His managerial career includes leading AS Monaco to a Ligue 1 title in 2000, guiding Lyon to three consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2002 to 2004, and taking Southampton to the EFL Cup final in 2017. He also managed Leicester City in the Premier League and has worked with several other French clubs throughout his career. ## FAQs Where was Claude Puel born? Claude Puel was born on 2 September 1961 in France, though the specific birthplace is not mentioned in the source material. What clubs has Claude Puel managed? Claude Puel has managed several clubs including AS Monaco, Lille OSC, Lyon, Saint-Étienne, Nice, Southampton, Leicester City, and OGC Nice. What are Claude Puel's most notable achievements? His most notable achievements include winning the Ligue 1 title with AS Monaco in 2000, securing three consecutive Ligue 1 titles with Lyon from 2002 to 2004, and leading Southampton to the EFL Cup final in 2017. Did Claude Puel play football professionally? Yes, Claude Puel had a professional playing career before becoming a manager, representing France at the international level and playing for clubs including AS Monaco. ## Why They Matter Claude Puel matters in football for his successful transition from player to manager and his ability to achieve success at multiple clubs across different leagues. His tactical acumen and leadership have been demonstrated through his trophy wins with AS Monaco and Lyon, as well as his ability to guide Southampton to a major cup final in the Premier League. His career spans both the French and English football systems, showcasing his adaptability and expertise in different footballing cultures. ## Notable For - Winning Ligue 1 title with AS Monaco in 2000 - Securing three consecutive Ligue 1 titles with Lyon (2002-2004) - Leading Southampton to EFL Cup final in 2017 - Managing in both Ligue 1 and Premier League - Representing France as an international player - Long-standing career in football management spanning multiple decades ## Body ### Early Life and Playing Career Claude Puel was born on 2 September 1961 in France. While specific details about his early life and education are not provided in the source material, he went on to have a professional playing career in football. As a player, Puel represented France at the international level, showcasing his abilities on the national stage. His playing career included time at AS Monaco, one of France's most prominent clubs, where he would later return as a manager to achieve significant success. ### Managerial Career Puel's managerial career has been extensive and successful, spanning multiple decades and clubs across different countries. He began his managerial journey in France, where he would make his most significant impact. #### AS Monaco (2001-2005) Puel's first major managerial role came at AS Monaco, where he achieved considerable success. During his tenure, he led the club to win the Ligue 1 title in the 2000-2001 season, establishing himself as a capable manager at the highest level of French football. His time at Monaco also included a notable Champions League campaign, demonstrating his ability to compete at the European level. #### Lille OSC (2002) Following his success at Monaco, Puel took charge of Lille OSC for a brief period in 2002. While his time there was relatively short, it represented his continued presence in Ligue 1 management. #### Olympique Lyonnais (2008-2011) Puel's most successful spell in terms of domestic dominance came during his time at Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon). He managed the club from 2008 to 2011, during which time he secured three consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2002 to 2004. This period established Lyon as the dominant force in French football and cemented Puel's reputation as an excellent tactician and manager. #### AS Saint-Étienne (2011-2012) After his successful stint at Lyon, Puel moved to AS Saint-Étienne, another prominent French club. His time there, though brief, continued his pattern of managing top-tier French clubs. #### OGC Nice (2012-2016) Puel's next significant role came at OGC Nice, where he managed from 2012 to 2016. This period allowed him to further develop his managerial skills and maintain his presence in Ligue 1. #### Southampton (2016-2017) Puel made his move to English football when he was appointed manager of Southampton in the Premier League in 2016. His most notable achievement during this spell was leading the team to the EFL Cup final in 2017, where they finished as runners-up. This demonstrated his ability to adapt to the English game and achieve success in one of the world's most competitive leagues. #### Leicester City (2017-2019) Following his time at Southampton, Puel took charge of Leicester City, another Premier League club. His tenure at Leicester continued his presence in English football, though specific achievements during this period are not detailed in the source material. #### Return to OGC Nice (2019-2022) Puel returned to OGC Nice for a second spell from 2019 to 2022, demonstrating the club's continued faith in his abilities and his enduring presence in French football management. ### Playing Style and Philosophy While specific details about Puel's playing style and managerial philosophy are not provided in the source material, his success across different clubs and leagues suggests an adaptable approach. His ability to win titles with both AS Monaco and Lyon indicates tactical flexibility and the capacity to build winning teams with different personnel and resources. ### International Experience Puel's career has uniquely spanned both French and English football, giving him experience in two of Europe's most prominent leagues. This international experience has likely contributed to his development as a manager and his understanding of different footballing cultures and approaches. ### Legacy and Impact Claude Puel's legacy in football is characterized by his longevity and success as both a player and manager. His achievements include multiple league titles in France and a major cup final appearance in England. His career demonstrates the potential for successful transitions from playing to management, and his work at various clubs shows his ability to adapt and achieve results in different environments. Puel's impact on French football is particularly notable, having managed several of the country's top clubs and contributed to their success at both domestic and European levels. ## References 1. Argentine Soccer Database 2. Transfermarkt 3. PlaymakerStats.com 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. [Claude Jacques PUEL](https://www.verif.com/dirigeants/Claude-PUEL-2689392/)