Claude Puel says Leicester lacked 'clinical edge' in Southampton stalemate
Friday 20 April 2018 00:06, UK
Leicester manager Claude Puel admits his side lacked a "clinical edge" during the 0-0 draw against struggling Southampton at the King Power Stadium.
Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy both spurned good opportunities to seal all three points for the Foxes, but neither could convert as the points were shared.
The result might have been worse had Shane Long beaten Ben Hamer from close range, but Puel is remaining optimistic despite a third game without a win.
"It was a good performance without a good result," he admitted after seeing his side frustrated. "It's important to keep this good level and to find the clinical edge at the end.
"We had many chances to score in the first half and it was important to score in this moment when we dominated the game, as well as in the final 30 minutes.
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"We had a good second half against Burnley and it was important to continue this momentum. We'll have a few days' recovery to be fresh to prepare for Crystal Palace. If we can repeat this performance we'll have more opportunities to win away and at home."
Puel made five changes against his former club and the Frenchman was impressed by those who were handed the opportunity to impress with the club's quest for Europa League qualification seemingly ended by successive defeats to Newcastle and Burnley.
Hamer was alert to thwart Long in the one moment Southampton threatened, while Puel was also pleased with Aleksander Dragovic's display on his return to the defence.
Puel had to respond to reports of player unrest earlier this month and some sections of the home crowd jeered at the full-time whistle, but he remains confident that the club are heading in the right direction.
The Leicester manager revealed he expects Kasper Schmeichel and Shinji Okazaki to be available to face Palace, and he also wished Southampton well in their quest to stay in the Premier League.
"It was strange and special for me, but I tried to keep focused on my team to try to win this game," he added. "On the pitch, we showed a good performance and deserved to win.
"I want to give my congratulations to Southampton and I hope they can save their position in the Premier League."
