Claude Puel: Southampton showed fighting spirit in Liverpool draw
Sunday 20 November 2016 22:56, UK
Claude Puel was pleased with Southampton's attitude and organisation as they held Liverpool to a goalless draw.
Southampton were on the back foot for much of the match but held out to avoid a third straight Premier League defeat.
"We played a very good team with good players," Saints boss Puel said. "It was important to keep the organisation. They score lots of goals and it is very difficult to develop our game. I think today we won one point when we lost three points in our last game.
"It is not our tactic (to defend), it is just that we played a very good team. They have good, physical players who are also technical and they have a good spirit.
"We know it is always difficult after the international break to play. It is difficult with 15 international players.
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"It was important to take this point because we play many games. I am happy with the attitude and the spirit among my players."
Southampton failed to get a shot on target at a rain-soaked St Mary's, with Charlie Austin going closest when he headed wide in the second half.
The standout performers for the hosts were centre-backs Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk.
Asked about another strong display for former Celtic man Van Dijk, Puel replied: "Yes, but he is in every game, it is not a surprise, it is not amazing. Since the beginning of the season Virgil has been excellent."
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