Southampton deserve place in EFL Cup final, says Claude Puel
Thursday 26 January 2017 10:09, UK
Southampton boss Claude Puel feels his side deserve their place in the EFL Cup final following a 2-0 aggregate victory over Liverpool.
Saints took a 1-0 advantage going into the second-leg at Anfield and despite heavy pressure from the hosts, Shane Long struck in stoppage-time to seal their first trip to Wembley since winning the Football League Trophy in 2010.
Saints have only reached the EFL Cup final once in their 131-year history - they lost to Manchester United in 1979 - and could face the Red Devils again if Jose Mourinho's side come through their semi-final against Hull on Thursday, live on Sky Sports.
Southampton have reached the final without conceding a single goal and manager Puel believes it is a deserved reward for his squad and supporters.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Puel said: Fantastic for all the squad and it is a good reward because they all their very hard work.
"To find this opportunity to play in a cup final is fantastic, over two legs we deserved it, because were fantastic in the first leg at home with just one goal with many opportunities."
Despite leading his side to a first League Cup final in 38 years, Puel has now switched his attentions to lifting the trophy at Wembley on February 26.
"Now the goal is to go to Wembley and not just to participate and I hope to win this cup, it's fantastic for all the supporters, the squad, the staff," he added.
"The second half was difficult for us because there was many chance for Liverpool but in the first half we had two or three chances and could have made more of a difference.
"It is a great reward for the squad and over the two legs I think we deserved to qualify."
