ORIOL Romeu believes Saints will have a better chance of winning against Liverpool than they did at Burnley.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side conceded three goals at Turf Moor in a 12-minute collapse that saw Ashley Barnes net a brace.

The Clarets’ choice to play directly meant that Saints were unable to get themselves higher up the pitch to win the ball back and create chances.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Romeu said: “I think it’s important because when teams play long balls, it makes it really hard to get chances.

“It means that we have to be further away from their box when we eventually get the ball and that limits the opportunities we will get on their goal.

“It’s easier for us to play against teams who take more risks and play out from the back.”

“There will be more chances to score against Liverpool.

“Burnley didn’t play anything from the back because it was all long balls which didn’t give us the chance to get higher up the pitch.

“The chances will come against Liverpool because they will take more risks and that will give us more opportunities to score goals. Hopefully, we can put them under pressure.”

Saturday’s defeat was Saints’ heaviest opening day loss since they returned to the Premier League back in 2012.

Given that their upcoming fixtures include matches against Liverpool, Brighton and Manchester United, it could be difficult for the club to start gaining some momentum.

Despite this, Romeu pointed out that there are still 37 games left of the Premier League season and that there will be a positive reaction.

 “It was a tough, tough result to take. Especially after having a good feeling through pre-season and feeling comfortable about coming here ready to compete.

“But their first goal took everything away and our confidence and momentum went away.

“We are not panicking. We need to send the message for everyone to be calm as this isn’t the end of the season. There will be a reaction, I’m sure of that.

“We are all confident that this season is going to be much better, but we just need to follow the way for 90 minutes from the first one until the last one, otherwise it will be tough.”

Liverpool’s visit to St Mary’s will be the club’s first home game of the season and Romeu is hoping the crowd can drive Saints forward.

“I hope the crowd can be behind us and give us a boost because we need to react after the Burnley game. We need to do better,” explained Romeu.

“We need to get a result.”