Bertrand can step into centre-back role, says Saints boss Puel
Southampton boss Claude Puel has backed left-back Ryan Bertrand to deputise in an unfamiliar centre-back position.
Saints have sold Jose Fonte to West Ham United, while star man Virgil Van Dijk has been ruled out for three months with an ankle injury.
Puel’s side host the Hammers on Saturday, while Saints also have the EFL Cup final against Manchester United on the horizon.
Southampton’s form this season has been patchy, taking just 27 points from their first 23 games to put a dent in their ambitions to reach the Europa League.
Photo credit should read OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images
England international Bertrand, 27, is no stranger to the centre-back position, having played there a number of times under previous manager Ronald Koeman as part of a back five.
Despite his faith in the former Chelsea man, Puel admitted the shortage he is now suffering in the heart of defence is “difficult”.
“It’s always difficult, but I don’t like to suffer in a situation like this,” he said.
“We work on the training ground and we find a solution to give the squad possibilities, solidity and opportunities. We will seek to develop other players.
“The former trainer [Ronald Koeman] found the solution with Bertrand at centre-back. It’s a possibility also for us. We will see for the next game.”
