We’ll raise our game — Puel

SOUTHAMPTON manager Claude Puel believes with a bit of improvement his side will have what it takes to beat Liverpool in the EFL Cup tonight.

Saints held the Anfield club to a goalless draw in the Premier League in November and will be aiming to build on that as they look to gain the advantage in the opening leg of the semi-final at St Mary’s.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have only failed to win eight games out of 25 — six draws and two defeats — in all competitions so far this season but Puel believes the point they took off the Reds late last year also marked one of their best performances as a team.

“We played Liverpool in the Premier League and it was a strong game for us with organisation,” said the Frenchman.

“We played strong and were strong in defence.

“We played at a good level but it will be important for this game to have more of the ball and try to have control of the game.

“Their ability to control the ball along with good pressing, with technical players, i s exciting. We want to exploit them.

“The players are ready for t he game. It is an exciting challenge for us. The Premier League game was strong, there are many games in January, different possibilities.

“The semi-final is important. It is an excellent challenge and we want to try to make the best of the opportunities.”

Southampton manager Claude Puel.