Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino seeking reinforcements
Wednesday 3 January 2018 00:05, UK
Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has confirmed that he will actively seek to strengthen the attacking options at his disposal during the January transfer window.
Pellegrino was left frustrated after watching his side surrender a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
The Saints have been linked with a move for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, and Pellegrino has money to spend following the £75million sale of Virgil van Dijk.
The Argentine was asked about any potential transfer business following the Palace defeat and he said: "We've got a couple of targets, and it will be important to try to bring them as quick as possible to improve not just inside but outside the pitch. To lift the confidence of everyone."
When pressed on which position he will look to strengthen, he added: "Especially in our offensive."
The Saints could certainly do with extra firepower after they ran out of ideas against Palace at St Mary's, with the side failing to build on an encouraging first period.
Shane Long ended his 11-month goal drought to put the hosts deservedly in front after 17 minutes but the opportunities dried up after the interval to leave Pellegrino frustrated.
He added: "It's a difficult game for us to digest because in the first half we dominated the game.
"We gave them the possibility to react in the second half by playing five yards deeper. The confidence went after they scored the second goal.
"Difficult moments is part of the job in football. We have to react and learn from this situation as we're in a difficult position now.
"In the Premier League everything is really tight, when you give sides the chance you can be in trouble. But our position isn't just about today.
"For a long time we've needed to improve. In a difficult moment, everyone looks at the manager, but we have to bounce back and react from this situation."
