‘Don’t let our intensity drop against Boro,’ urges Southampton boss Puel

After two games against Champions League chasers, Southampton manager Claude Puel is challenging his side to maintain their motivation for the next task at hand.

At the weekend, Saints, who drew 0-0 with Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday but were beaten 2-0 at home by Arsenal on Wednesday night, go to Middlesbrough, who were condemned back to the Championship as a result of their defeat to Chelsea on Monday.

However, Puel is wary of a wounded Boro going down fighting, much in the same way that already-relegated Sunderland beat Hull City in their last outing.

“We can see the attitude of the players and it’s a fantastic attitude,” said the Southampton boss.

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“The last game against Liverpool was a defensive game and a fantastic spirit, and it was a good draw.

“[On Wednesday] also, just three days after, it was very interesting, with good work and quality against a good team.

“It’s a good answer and to see my players giving the good motivation about all the games will be important to find the good spirit and attitude against Middlesbrough.

“It is not Arsenal but it will be a difficult game, and we saw this with Sunderland.

“They can have a good game after relegation and perhaps it’s the same feeling about Middlesbrough, and it will be important to have the good attitude and find a good win.

“It’s very important for us and to finish this season with a good result.”