Claude Puel schedules three-day break for Southampton before Christmas
Saturday 17 December 2016 14:01, UK
Southampton's players can look forward to a pre-Christmas break following the intensity of Sunday's Premier League south-coast derby against Bournemouth.
After a relentless period of domestic, European and international football, Saints boss Claude Puel will schedule time for rest and recuperation ahead of their next game against Tottenham on December 28.
"After this game, there is three days off for the squad," Puel said. "This is the first time in a long time.
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"I think we have played 25 official games - and also more for the international players - already this season. The statistic is that we are in the 10 first teams with international players and the number of minutes played.
"This is very strong, and for a team like Southampton this is the first season for many of the players playing every three days.
"Of course, we had a big disappointment in the Europa League, but it is important for the future. We develop many players to play for any position in any places, and this is important for the team.
"Three days after this game will be important for the players, not just for the physical level, but all to stay with their families."
Saints' immediate task is a Vitality Stadium appointment on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1, with Eddie Howe's Cherries, who sit level on points with Southampton and lie just one place behind them in 10th.
Puel is no stranger to derby occasions following his time as a player and manager in France, and he is relishing the rivals' latest meeting.
"I know the rivalry between two clubs," he added. "I saw this, of course, with many games in France.
"For our supporters, our fans, of course it's important to get a good result against Bournemouth. I know this, but for us and the players it's important to keep a good concentration about our team.
"I think we will see a good game because the two teams try to play on the ground with a good philosophy."
