Claude Puel says Southampton can give Liverpool a stern test
Friday 18 November 2016 00:04, UK
Southampton manager Claude Puel says Saturday's opponents Liverpool have to be considered among the title favourites.
But Puel says his team are more than capable of competing with the Premier League's big guns and is expecting them to give a good account of themselves.
Saints are 10th in the table, having made a solid start to life under Puel, but Liverpool are sitting atop the standings, with eight wins and just one defeat from their first 11 games.
"They are one of the favourites, of course," said Puel at his Thursday press briefing.
"Like Arsenal, Manchester City, and other teams, they are at a very good level for this league this season, but my players can play a good game against these teams too.
"It's important for my team to play our football, our game.
"We play against a very good team, with good players and spectacular football, but I think we have qualities also.
"They are first in the table for chances against opponents, and we are in third position with this statistic.
"We can see a good, open game and I hope we will have a good result at the end for the supporters but it's important to stay with our good football and concentrate on this."
He hopes the rest of his squad can start to take some pressure off Charlie Austin, who has scored five of their 12 Premier League goals this season.
"He's efficient in front of goal, and it's important for the squad. He's also scored many penalties. Always it's important to keep him at a good physical level," Puel added.
"But I hope other players can score also. It's important other players have the possibility to score: offensive midfielders, defenders from free-kicks. We have a statistic: we are third (in) the number of chances every game, and the least efficient."
Puel added that he expects to have a fairly fit squad to select from for the visit of the leaders.
"We will see in the last training session before the game," he said.
"I think all the players are okay and there won't be any surprises. Cedric has come back to training, [Ryan] Bertrand trained yesterday also.
"Shane Long also came back to training but I don't know if they are physically ready to play. We will see on Friday."
Dusan Tadic suffered a suspected broken nose while in action for Serbia against Wales last weekend but is expected to play with a face mask.
"Normally he will be available for this game," Puel said. "He spoke to the doctor and it's OK for him."
Goalkeeper Fraser Forster withdrew from the England squad with a slight injury but has been passed fit to line up against the Reds.
