Puel looking for balanced Saints squad despite defensive crisis

Claude Puel says he is in search of solutions within his squad to balance Saints’ blossoming attacking options and lean defensive choices.

Following the debut goal of new signing Manolo Gabbiadini against West Ham, Puel is spoilt for choice in terms of attacking options even with the injury of Charlie Austin.

But the same cannot be said at the back where pickings are far slimmer, with Virgil van Dijk out injured for several months and Jose Fonte now at West Ham.

But Puel is determined to find the right blend as his side looks ahead to the EFL Cup final against Manchester United this month.

Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

“Now it’s important to find the solution inside the squad since the market is finished,” said Puel.

“Of course it is difficult to play without Virgil and he is one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

“For us it’s strong to take but it’s important now to see a solution and to improve together in a defensive solution and find a solution with the squad of course.”

Southampton’s defensive woes have come amid a sequence of six Premier League defeats in seven matches leaving them 13th in the Premier League table and seven points from the relegation zone.

But Puel’s side possess plenty of goals and the Frenchman is not yet looking over his shoulder.

He added: “We have Rodriguez we have Long, we have Gabbiadini, [Sofiane] Boufal, [Dusan] Tadic, [Nathan] Redmond. We have solutions.

“For the moment I think it is important to correct defensive with free kicks against us and situations and give presence for the opponent like this.

“After for the offensive we have a different solution.”