It was too difficult for Southampton to beat Everton, says Claude Puel

Claude Puel believes it was too difficult for Southampton to beat Everton due to their intense run of fixtures in the festive period.

Southampton were beaten 3-0 at Goodison Park - with Enner Valencia, Leighton Baines and Romelu Lukaku scoring - to make it three consecutive defeats in less than a week.

As was the case at the weekend against West Brom, Puel made six changes to his team in an attempt to keep his squad as fresh as possible.

The move backfired, however, as they were ultimately well beaten after an even first half.

Puel said: "Three games in five and a half days, of course, was very difficult for us but we tried to rotate to give the squad opportunities to stay fit and fresh and the possibility to win this game.

"It was not possible. My squad do not deserve it for their work and it's a shame. Today it was a courageous game from us.

"Perhaps we could have scored first and it was the same situation for Everton but they were clinical against us.

"When they scored, it was difficult to accept because we had opportunities before. We were unlucky in this moment.

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"Now it is important to have recovery in our bodies in our head. It is a difficult for the spirit of the players because they gave their all.

"At the first goal, we have tiredness with some players and I think this made the difference. Three games in a short time was very difficult.

"It was too difficult for my team. It's a bad moment but it's important we are positive."

Southampton could have been ahead before they fell behind. Jay Rodriguez shot just over in the first half and Nathan Redmond was denied well by Joel Robles shortly before the opener.

With Charlie Austin out due to a shoulder problem and Sofiane Boufal joining the Morocco squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, Puel appears to be short of options up front.

Despite the players he does have converting just twice in their trio of defeats, the Frenchman is not concerned.

He added: "We know Charlie is injured and Boufal is going to the Africa Cup of Nations. This is difficult for us because we don't have a lot of solutions."

Puel, meanwhile, refused to be drawn on Virgil van Dijk's future amid interest in the player from other clubs.

Manchester City and Chelsea have both been reported to be keen but Sky sources understand Southampton do not want to sell him in this transfer window.

Puel said of the former Celtic player: "Virgil is very important for us, of course, and it's important to stay calm.

"The window is always difficult. If an opportunity comes then perhaps [we can sign someone] but other things are just speculation. I prefer to focus on my team."

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