Virgil van Dijk said Saints were “the only team that deserved to win” after their 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan.

Saints had fine chances to score in the ninth minute, when Jay Rodriguez conceded possession after hesitating from a shooting position, and in the second half through Virgil van Dijk.

The central defender similarly missed a fine chance in the recent 0-0 draw away to Israel's Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and on this occasion produced too casual a finish saved by Samir Handanovic when requiring only a routine finish from directly in front of goal.

Puel also recognised the return against Inter in a fortnight has become "interesting", while Van Dijk said: "We were the only team that deserved to win and to concede a goal with their only chance frustrated.

"We should have had the game dead and buried in the first half but that is what happens if you don't take your chances.

"I had a big chance with my left foot and a header. We had so many opportunities to win the game."

The result also relieved some of the pressure that had been building on Inter manager Frank de Boer, and the Dutchman said: "They created some very dangerous chances. We knew that they were very dangerous.

"At first there were small chances for both of us. Luckily we have a great goalkeeper, he was unbelievable. The result for the group? It's very important for us."