Puel: We must take points from Cats trip
Southampton boss Claude Puel admits that his side cannot take it easy in this weekend’striptoSunderland – their last match before the EFL Cup final against Manchester United.
Indeed, he says it is “important to take points” on Wearside.
Following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at home to West Ham, Saints face a tough task at the Stadium of Light next knowing a defeat there will leave them only five points ahead of David Moyes’ men.
“Now it’s a big moment, the end of January, the start of February and I think now it’s enough, we have to correct it,” said manager Claude Puel.
“It was a pity for this game because we started very well with a fantastic goal by (debutant Manolo_ Gabbiadini, but to lose a goal five minutes later, it’s not the first time.
“It was a difficult finish to the first half and we were unlucky in the third goal. We have to correct the situation.
“The next game is important for us. It’s important to take points to prevent other teams coming back to our level. We need results and points.”
Puel praised the debut of big-money signing Gabbiadini, who opened the scoring against the Hammers with a superb angled strike after 12 minutes. “It’s a pity we lost this game when you saw this fantastic goal,” said Puel. “I’m satisfied and I enjoyed his game because he’s a strong player with quality.
“He can give solution between the lines and behind the lines also. On the crosses he is always available.
“It’s a very good player to play to find him between the lines but to score and give assists for the future.”
Southampton’s problems are piling up both on the pitch, where they have lost six of their last seven matches, and in the treatment room. Key defender Virgil van Dijk is out for up to three months and on Saturday record signing Sofiane Boufal limped off, making him a doubt for the EFL Cup final on February 26.
“It’s an ankle injury and we will see how long he stays out, I hope it’s not important, we will see,” said Puel.
Andy Carroll, Pedro Obiang and a Steven Davis own goal turned the game around for West Ham.
New Hammers defender Jose Fonte admitted it was tough making such a swift return to Southampton.
“It was a strange experience coming back,” Fonte said. “It was emotional, difficult, but, in the end, I can say a big thank you to everyone – to the West Ham supporters and my team-mates for helping me get through it.
“I managed to block everything out and stay focused. The most important thing was achieved, which is the three points and a great performance.”
Slaven Bilic’s side welcomed the win, following their midweek thrashing from Manchester City.
“That wasn’t the start I wanted, but we showed great character and personality to come and play (at Southampton),” added Fonte. “We played some great football, scored three goals and could have scored a couple more.”