Claude Puel wants Dusan Tadic back to best form as Southampton struggle for goals
Sunday 1 January 2017 11:15, UK
Claude Puel feels Southampton need more from Dusan Tadic if they are to improve their disappointing Premier League goal tally.
The Saints head into Monday's clash with Everton in the bottom four in terms of goals scored, having hit the target only 19 times in their first 19 league outings.
Only strugglers Hull City (16), Middlesbrough and Sunderland (both 17) have scored fewer goals than Puel's men.
They suffered their seventh loss of the campaign when beaten 2-1 at home by West Brom on Saturday but remain in the top 10 despite their inconsistent performances going forward.
Tadic provided 12 assists last season, his first in England, but has failed to live up to expectations in 2016-17 and Puel hopes he can quickly bounce back to his best form, with Southampton soon to lose Sofiane Boufal as well.
"I hope Dusan can raise his level and step by step make the difference," said Puel.
"He's of course an important player for the future, especially with Sofiane Boufal off to the African Nations Cup after the Everton game.
"I think Dusan and Sofiane can continue to build a good relationship between their play, that's progress for the future.
"But now the most important thing is for us to give a good answer, a good reaction against Everton."
Southampton dominated possession against the Baggies but could only muster one effort on target, which Shane Long converted to give them the lead.
"It's not enough," said Puel of his side's ratio of chances to possession. "We knew it would be a difficult game, but we lost concentration after our goal, and that is our own fault."
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