Claude Puel admits Southampton players looked tired after international break
Saturday 1 April 2017 21:29, UK
Claude Puel admits his Southampton players looked slightly tired after the international break in their 0-0 draw at Bournemouth.
The south coast derby ended goalless at St Mary's after Bournemouth's Harry Arter slipped during his run-up for a late penalty and struck it embarrassingly over the bar.
The result leaves Bournemouth, who are unbeaten in four without conceding during their past two games, in 11th and level on 34 points with 10th-placed Southampton.
Ryan Bertrand was unfortunate to be penalised when referee Jonathan Moss awarded the visitors a 79th minute penalty for a slight tug on Ryan Fraser, but Southampton manager Puel was more concerned about his team's performance.
"It is a little disappointing to just take one point at home but it is a fair result," said the Frenchman. "We could have won, we could have lost.
"Some of our players looked a little bit tired after the international break. We had 15 players away. It's not an excuse but it's difficult."
Puel had spoken to Dusan Tadic earlier this week after the midfielder expressed his frustration at how often he is substituted.
Puel again substituted him late in the second half, despite him looking like their best player.
"It was interesting, he played a very good first half, he can do the same, it was good and I am happy with his performance," said Puel.
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