Claude Puel admitted Southampton are currently in a “difficult period” after they were beaten 2-1 by West Bromwich Albion on New Year’s Eve.
Goals from Matt Phillips and Hal Robson-Kanu condemned Saints to defeat, after Shane Long had opened the scoring shortly before half time.
Much like the game against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, West Brom levelled with their first shot on target, much to Puel’s frustration.
“It’s a difficult period and it’s a pity because we have the same scenario with Tottenham on Wednesday night,” Puel said.
“We had good work at the beginning, a good start to our play with quality and we scored the first goal.
“But then after the same scenario, with one chance for the opponent and one goal.
“It’s the same, two goals from opponents with two shots. In this moment they are very clinical against us, so we have to correct this.
“We need to play and to score, but also to keep a good concentration without the ball and keep a clean sheet,” Puel continued.
“We tried to react, all of the players give all of their effort in the second half, but perhaps without the lucidity we needed.”
Saints will now need to respond on Monday when they travel to Goodison Park.
Puel added: “It’s a difficult period for all of the team, but we have to correct this situation with a strong game against Everton,” Puel concluded.
Share this: