Claude Puel was proud of Southampton’s excellent run in the EFL Cup, as they came close to winning their first major trophy in over 40 years.
Saints lost out to Manchester United in the final at Wembley on Sunday following a memorable run to the final, in which Puel’s men didn’t concede a goal until the clash with United.
The likes of Jake Hesketh, Harrison Reed and Josh Sims all played their part in Saints’ progress to the final, highlighting the club’s commitment to giving youth the opportunity to impress.
For that reason, and many others, Puel was delighted with his side’s run in the EFL Cup. “All of the competition it was fantastic,” the Saints boss told southamptonfc.com.
“The journey in this competition was amazing, with young players at the beginning of the competition and after that experienced players.
“We produced a great final. It was a good competition, but of course the most important thing was to win it, and this is difficult for us.”
But the Saints boss believes heartache at Wembley on Sunday will make his players more determined than ever to get back to a major cup final.
“It’s important to use this emotion to come back. Of course we want to, either in this competition or another cup,” he added.
“But for now it’s important to keep our concentration about the Premier League. It is a strong challenge ahead.
“We will stay two weeks with just one game, and this is difficult for the concentration and motivation.
“It’s important to rise to this difficult challenge.”
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