Puel grateful for Saints’ strength in depth

Some managers would argue that fighting on three fronts cripples their squad, but Southampton boss Claude Puel insists he is relishing the Saints’ busy winter schedule ahead.

Following Wednesday’s EFL Cup quarter-final triumph over Arsenal, Southampton are still fighting hard in both that competition and the Europa League, as well as the Premier League where they sit in mid-table.

And while most of Europe is preparing to take a break over the winter period, Puel is adamant he is pleased that his side will be tackling the brutal English holiday schedule.

Saints go in search of their third victory in a week at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, and Puel hopes their level can stay the same to give the club the maximum chance to win some silverware this term.

(Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

“For me it’s a good thing. I prefer to play every three days,” he said.

“It is important [to have] a high level with the ability to continue playing this game with the same performance, the same quality. I like this and the players like this also.

“They prefer playing different games than making training sessions every time. Winter is an important moment, I hope we can continue this work for the second part of the season.

“It will be the result of the qualifying in the semi-final of the cup, the Premier League, and our objective in the Europa League.

“It is very important for the squad to continue all this many games for the second part of the season.

“It will be the result of good performances before January.”