Jay Rodriguez says Southampton must be ruthless in front of goal
Friday 18 November 2016 15:22, UK
Jay Rodriguez has echoed boss Claude Puel's call for Southampton to become more ruthless in front of goal.
The Saints host Liverpool on Saturday having lost their past two Premier League fixtures largely because of their wastefulness in the final third.
Puel - whose team lost 2-1 at Hull in their last Premier League outing - has already spoken of his intention to persevere with Southampton's creative approach, instead of attempting to nullify Liverpool's attacking threat, and also of their need to support leading goalscorer Charlie Austin.
Fellow forward Rodriguez is among those with the potential to be as clinical as Austin but his form has been unconvincing as he continues to pursue his confidence after two injury-disrupted seasons.
Puel's rotation policy, however, presents Rodriguez with regular first-team opportunities to add to Saints' meagre return of 12 goals in 11 league games so far this term.
The England international told Southampton's official website: "It will be crucial to make sure we take our chances.
"After the Hull game [when they led before squandering numerous chances and losing 2-1] we were very disappointed and we can't wait to put it right.
"The international break was a long break, but the lads are raring to go again.
"It's important that we focus on ourselves and make sure that we do our jobs properly on Saturday. We know how important these matches are, so we just want to get the three points."
