Southampton gain no advantage over Man Utd after lay-off, says Claude Puel

Claude Puel believes Southampton gain no advantage over Manchester United ahead of their EFL Cup final, despite his side not playing for 15 days.

Saints take on Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, aiming to win their first trophy in 41 years.

It will be Southampton's first outing since a 4-0 win at Sunderland on February 11 and Puel's opposite number, Jose Mourinho, thinks the lay-off will help the south coast side.

But Puel disagrees, saying: "I don't know if it's a benefit because two weeks without an official game is sometimes difficult.

"At the beginning, it's interesting to give a day off for the first time since the beginning of the season for the team.

"After, it's always difficult to prepare and to find a good balance and do good work to keep a good rhythm without games.

"It's a good challenge. We will see, of course, on Sunday but sometimes I prefer to play every two or three days. Sometimes, with an official game every three days, it is better."

Live EFL Cup Final

Southampton last appeared in a final in 2003, but suffered a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in Cardiff thanks to a goal from Robert Pires.

Southampton's only major honour, the 1976 FA Cup, came against Manchester United as Bobby Stokes' goal seven minutes from the end gave them victory in front of more than 99,000 fans.

"Of course it's important for us and it's important for Manchester [United] also," Puel added. "It's been a very good journey and interesting to see the philosophy of the club.

"It's a good moment for the fans and I hope we can give them pleasure and joy at this match. I know the last time Southampton can win a cup was in 1976 against Manchester.

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"It's a long time and it would be fantastic to take a good result. I think it's important and I can understand of course all the good atmosphere around the team and the fans.

"But it's important for us to keep focused and with a good concentration about the game and not what happens after the game. We have to keep the good attitude and good spirit."

"The most important thing for us is to concentrate on our play. Manchester United are strong, we know that."

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