Brendan Venter believes he has got a squad strong enough to challenge on all fronts this season.

The new Saracens director of rugby has brought in 12 players this summer, including a number of South Africans such as hooker Schalk Brits, which he believes has given them the strength in depth to compete domestically and in Europe.

The former London Irish coach has refused to set a target for the campaign but it is clear he is optimistic about the club's chances on the pitch.

Venter, who insists he will not have a first choice team, said: "We are recruiting a squad and our philosophy is basically I cannot have any back-up players. If you cannot play Premiership rugby for me then I will find another club where you can play.

"We have the potential to play more than 40 matches. Nobody can play 40 matches. Why do we then want an A and B team? Why don't we just go for a squad and it made a lot of sense.

"If you look at the way our team is being put together, a lot of people look at me and say why would you want Justin Marshall when you've got Neil de Kock? Why would you sign Kevin Barrett when you've got another guy like Moses Rauluni who is an international? Now you understand the method in the madness. If we don't have a squad we're going to win nothing.

"I experienced that in my second year at London Irish, the first year was easy because we picked up no injuries. But in the second year we lost lots of players and my team just wasn't functioning. We weren't losing by many but we just weren't there and then I realised in this competition you have to have a squad.

"I think the big advantage is every single player in my squad is there because I believe they are good enough and that doesn't always happen when a new coach comes in. If I was a player I would want to be in that situation where you are there because you are good enough.

"At London Irish I rotated the front row on a weekly basis and that's my vision that I do that in such a way that it doesn't weaken the team.

"I would want nothing more than from Brad Barritt and Adam Powell to play for England. Now you understand my thought process. I can't select one above the other. I believe Brad is equally as good as Adam and Adam is equally as good as Brad. My challenge is to make sure both of them get game time and Martin Johnson [England manager] doesn't think one is above the other.

"For me, I've got Brad and Adam playing in the centre for me. If I said to them which one of you is going to play for England? Both of them are pushing for a place and want to play for England. The reality is both. I want Martin Johnson to understand that I've got two front-running 12s. And with that I will give them equal time.

"I met with Justin Langer [former Australian Test batsman] and he looked at my squad and said how are you going to manage with so many good players in the same position? I said I know that but that's the challenge.

"If we stop seeing ourselves as an A and a B side and start seeing ourselves as a squad then that's a good example. Maybe both will play for England because they're getting equal game time and both are equally good."

The Men in Black have been perennial underachievers over the years with their last major trophy coming 11 years ago.

For the first time, expectations have been dampened after a summer of transition and a lack of big-name signings. But Venter is adamant high-profile transfers are not the secret to success as Saracens have proved over the last decade.

Instead, the 39-year-old doctor, who has a medical practice back in South Africa, has pin-pointed finding a togetherness which has too often been missing at the club.

He said: "We basically need to become a team where the players enjoy each others' company and enjoy being together and have a focus point where we earn each others' respect by being different. That's basically the job in hand because if we can't do that then we won't be a great team on the rugby field.

"Our aim is to create that togetherness because we will be competitive if we do, as they are good rugby players and very capable. I think it can happen straight away. That was why we went to South Africa and I can tell that they enjoy each others' company. Now they just need to do that on the field."

Sarries are blessed with a number of potential English stars in the shape of Alex Goode, wing Noah Cato and forwards Tom Mercey and Andy Saull.

Venter worked on a consultancy basis at the Guinness Premiership side last year and quickly identified the side needed to be built around this talented group.

The South African said: "We actually don't have much in the England squad and that is a problem but when I look at the team I said I needed to keep Alex, Adam, Andy, Noah and Tom. I have some unbelievable English players that have to play for me. That's just the way it has to be because they are going to play for England one day.

"Around them I need some senior heads because these young players make magic – the things you can't coach. I think you are going to see some special things from Noah this year. If he doesn't get injured he is going to have an amazing season."

Eight coaches in seven years tells its own story why Sarries have been chasing the shadows of successful clubs such as London Wasps and Leicester Tigers. Eddie Jones' departure during last season only set them back further, just when stability appeared to be in the offing.

Venter has refused to commit to a specific length of time at Vicarage Road but agrees the club are crying out for some continuity.

"I haven't put a time limit on it," Venter admitted. "My job is solely to put a team together that functions. I know they've had a lot of coaches but it's totally irrelevant to me because I've got a job to do.

"What Saracens desire is to put a system in place that can be lasting and it depends how long it takes. Their need was that they don't chop and change coaches the whole time and that’s something I agreed – put a system in place and when that's right then I will leave.

"I believe I can achieve that and if I can't, I don't want Saracens to have to pay me out, then there is no contractual obligation from their side. This is something I really enjoy and it’s a mission."