Southampton boss Claude Puel happy to compete on multiple fronts
Thursday 22 September 2016 13:26, UK
Claude Puel remains confident Southampton can continue to juggle an EFL Cup run with their Premier League and Europa League ambitions.
The Saints' 2-0 defeat of Crystal Palace on Wednesday ensured their progress to the competition's fourth round, where they will host Sunderland, and added at least one further fixture to an already busy schedule.
Three victories in the past week have been notable not only for the fact they were the first of Puel's reign as manager. He also rotated his team across the three competitions, highlighting the strength in depth from which he can take confidence.
Charlie Austin scored again on Wednesday having not made the starting XI against Swansea on Sunday, while Jake Hesketh scored his first senior goal on his first appearance since December 2014.
Speaking to Southampton's official club website about his increasing options, Puel said: "It's very interesting for the players and this squad.
"If my players keep this very good attitude and spirit, and we can move the team around to keep our energy, this bodes very well for the future.
"All the players played a very good game, with quality on the ground and many chances.
"We gave game time to other players like Harrison Reed, and Hesketh. It's important for us to improve all these young players.
"It gives many possibilities and answers for the future. We will see in the future. It's important to continue and to play all these competitions.
"Now we must focus and go to play West Ham [next in the Premier League], which is a very difficult game."
