Claude Puel believes it shows just how far Saints have come that they were disappointed only to get a point against Premier League champions Leicester at the end of a “crazy” week.
Saints recovered impressively from their gruelling trip to Israel, which was made worse by a delay of several hours to their flight home on Friday, to fight out a goalless draw at the King Power Stadium.
Indeed, it was Saints who had the better chances to win the game with Charlie Austin unable to keep his hot form going.
Puel said: “I think it was a positive when we can see the travel and the journey of this Europa League, it was crazy. In this condition to have the ability to make this game is very interesting.
“Congratulations for all my players and all the squad because as a collective performance all the players of the squad participate with good qualities every time at the start of the team.
“We can change every time the players and keep the same level of intensity of the play and this is very interesting.
“For this moment I have the feeling perhaps we lost two points this afternoon and it’s difficult to see this.”
For Saints it is now six games without defeat, and six clean sheets in a row.
After a week which has included a hat-trick of away trips to West Ham, Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Leicester, Puel can be a satisfied man going into the international break.
“I think when you finish a game away against Leicester with a little disappointment it’s a good thing,” he smiled.
“This shows you can make a very good game I think and it’s always difficult against Leicester with their pressing, the duels, the long ball. It’s very important to keep a good concentration, but it was important for us to keep the ball on the ground and to play.
“I think we do a very good game with qualities and many chances and good actions.
“It’s a shame I think we don’t score on this game.
“Perhaps when you can take one goals or one mistake for example the first half, but I think on the ground you can see a good performance.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel