Claude Puel defended his rotation policy as Saints were beaten by Inter Milan at the San Siro.

The Frenchman’s decision to change the team worked a treat against Sparta Prague in the Europa League Group K opener, and also paid off as they bagged a point in Israel at Hapoel Be’er Sehva.

However, defeat to Inter Milan inevitably led to questions over leaving the likes of Charlie Austin and Jose Fonte on the bench.

However, Puel, who made six changes for the game in Italy, believes his way is still the right way.

“No. I think if you can play tonight a very good game because you turn the effective and we have all the time fresh players to play good football, and this is very very important,” he retorted when asked whether his changes had disrupted the team.

“Not all the players can play good football (when playing every game), it’s not the thing and it’s important to consider all the players.

“We want to go for the qualification with all the squad and not just 11 players.

“When we can see this good game with the quality against Inter away it is difficult to think and to answer the question.

“I think it’s a very very good game and unlucky. We are just unlucky.”

Saints host Inter at St Mary’s next and could do with a positive result with Group K getting ever tighter.

With three games down, all four sides are still in with a great shout of getting through, making for a competitive finale.

“I think the four teams have the possibility for the qualification,” admitted Puel.

“It’s a good mini championship, it’s a difficult group, but it’s interesting and all my players learn with this game and we step by step get nearer qualification.

“The comeback against Inter will be interesting.

“For now just three games, one at home and two away, and you are always in the competition.”

One of the bright spots from the evening was the performance of Southampton born 21-year-old Sam McQueen, who looked hugely assured at left back on his first senior start for the club.

“It was interesting,” reflected Puel.

“It was just his second game and for him it is a new position he plays and it is interesting to see his technical quality and a good physical also.

“For the future it will be Ryan Bertrand and Targett very good players in his position but it is difficult for the moment to speak of the quality of my players because it is frustration and we can see the quality of this team.”