Claude Puel cut a frustrated figure as Saints’ dream night in the San Siro ended in defeat.

Despite having a raft of chances, Saints went down 1-0 in the Europa League in front of 7,000 travelling supporters in Italy with Inter Milan scoring with their only shot on target.

The result leaves Group K in the balance and Saints with plenty of work to do to progress to the knockout stages.

“Of course I think it’s very hard for my team,” said Puel.

“We can do a very good game with fantastic of the first half and good second time, but always without a goal, with many chances all the game.

“Just I think a chance for Inter and it’s sufficient to win this game.

“It’s a big disappointment but I enjoy the quality of our game and disappointment for my players because I think they can do good work but it lack just a goal.”

He added: “We don’t have technical and we do good work and with all the many chances we can play very good on the ground with quality, and just a goal to be rewarded of all this good play.

“It is a frustration.

“Congratulations for Inter, and now it’s important to recover for the next game.

“We have the opportunity to see the best result for the comeback for Southampton, but you can see also that this group has quality and it is difficult and this is the future.

“It is a good experience and I think a good thing to play this game with this quality, but for the next time with a good result.”

Puel was grateful for the support of the Saints fans, who made a significant amount of noise as they filled the middle tier behind one of the goals on what was an historic night for the club.

“It was fantastic support of our fans,” insisted Puel.

“To see them just behind the goal, they see my players and we want it but for next time.

“It’s disappointment and it’s the same for the fans, but they can see the players play good football and give all the possibilities tonight.

“They just lack a goal and this is very important to be rewarded.”

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo: