Southampton boss Claude Puel bemoans hectic festive fixture schedule after third loss in six days
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Southampton boss Claude Puel admitted Saints' New Year's day collapse was simply one game too far for his exhausted players.
Saints had looked on course for a gritty point at Everton in a tense game with few chances for both sides, but then fell apart when they conceded three goals in the last 17 minutes.
And the French coach insisted a Christmas programme that has seen them play three games in six days was simply too punishing for a side that has endured a heavy cup programme this season.
“We start the season with many games – European games – we’ve played every three days and sometimes every two days and always without recovery for my players,” he said.
“We had a list like Real Madrid and Barcelona, but not their squad. Just since Boxing Day we have played three games in five days and we tried to give a good answer, but it impossible. We did for 70 minutes, but we couldn't give a good answer in the end.”
(Photo: PA Wire)
(Photo: Reuters)
(Photo: PA Wire)
Enner Valencia proved the difference between the two sides as he sprang from the bench to start the collapse with his first goal from Everton.
But Puel believes his team now have the chance to restore their confidence after this bruising defeat, with an FA Cup visit to Norwich then an EFL semi-final against Liverpool, and he added: “You can sense sometimes a loss of confidence because we are in a difficult situation, of course it is always difficult but it is a good experience for this young squad.
“It is important to protect them now, and help them recover. But they were courageous, and they will improve from this.”