NEW manager Claude Puel arrives for his first official day of work at Saints today knowing that the club are already setting big targets for next season.

The Frenchman was announced on Thursday as Ronald Koeman’s replacement at Saints, signing a three-year deal.

The ex-Monaco, Lille, Lyon and Nice boss arrives alongside former Aston Villa caretaker manager Eric Black, who becomes assistant manager, and new first team coach Pascal Plancque.

Already, executive director of football Les Reed is hoping that Puel can push Saints further on after Koeman’s huge success in the last two seasons.

With the club heading into a Europa League campaign, Reed is eyeing yet more record-breaking seasons to follow the past two, which have seen Saints do better than ever before in the Premier League.

"We have an excellent group of first-team players who are keen to take another step forward," Reed said. 

"There is already a confidence and excitement in the building as some of the squad has returned for testing and they are in great shape.

"Claude has a fantastic platform to work from and is aware that our ambition is to repeat and improve on our performances in the Premier League over the past three seasons.

"Claude has a track record of improving the situations he has been presented with and we are confident he can repeat this at Southampton.

"His Champions League and European experience will be valuable in our Europa League challenge this coming season and with the support of our excellent staff at the club I am sure he will do well.

"We are once again excited about what the new season will bring, and we will continue to chase records as we have done in recent years."

Puel takes his first pre-season session today, with the Saints stars that are not on international duty at Euro 2016 in attendance.

"I am very happy to be the new manager, because it’s a good opportunity and a good challenge for me to come here to Southampton – a very good club and a very good organisation," Puel told Saints' website.

The 54-year-old, who has vast experience of managing in the Champions League, is eyeing Saints’ next step already, but is also keen on bringing through more youngsters to the first team.

"I know the high level with different clubs in France, I know the Europa League, I know the Champions League," he explained.

"I hope that it’s a possibility in the future for Southampton to play in the Champions League, but it’s important to improve with these players.

"They know the high level with the Europa League and I hope with the Champions League for the future."