Southampton not clinical enough, says Claude Puel

Claude Puel says Southampton need to be more clinical in front of goal, and insists responsibility lies with the whole team - not just the strikers.

Speaking ahead of Middlesbrough's visit on Sunday, following a disappointing exit from the Europa League in midweek, Puel is well aware of his team's mediocre current form in the goalscoring department.

They have netted just four goals in their last six games in all competitions and, in the Premier League this season, have scored just seven times from as many home fixtures.

And the manager said: "The answer for me is always a collective answer. All of the players can score, like against Arsenal (in the cup) it was Ryan Bertrand and Jordy Clasie - a defender and from the midfield.

"You do not just wait for a striker. It is not just the offensive players because all of the team have the ability to score.

"It is important to keep a good level of play and to have good chances, after when you have to find the 'clinicalness' to finish.

"Since the beginning of the season we have had many chances and that it has been difficult to be clinical.

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"But it is just about trying to continue the good work with the offensive display.

"Sometimes we lack something but it is important to continue this work and to come back on Sunday with a good spirit and reaction."

As for their next opponents, he added: "I have a lot of respect for Middlesbrough and their trainer. They play with good pressing and organisation.

"They have had all of the week to prepare for this game, so it will be an interesting challenge for us to give a good answer on Sunday against a good team."