Mauricio Pellegrino was impressed with Newcastle’s defensive display at Southampton – even if they conceded twice.
Newcastle United may have conceded twice at Southampton on Sunday, but their defensive work certainly impressed opposing manager Mauricio Pellegrino.
The Saints manager revealed his side had to change their approach because Newcastle’s back line was so effective at St Mary’s.
“I told my team we needed to play a little more direct to try to create something close to the box because Newcastle, defensively, are very good,” Pellegrino said, as reported by the Chronicle.
While a defensive lapse was ultimately the Magpies’ undoing – as Florian Lejeune conceded a soft penalty for the equaliser – there is certainly heart to be taken from these comments.
Newcastle’s last visit to Southampton had seen Rafa Benitez’s side completely collapse before half-time, ultimately losing 3-1 – a scoreline that flattered the away side, who had previously been on the end of back-to-back 4-0 thrashings on the south coast.
It does not feel as though Newcastle will suffer from such heavy defeats again in the future – as long as Benitez remains in charge.
His side are well drilled, keep their shape and work hard to prevent opponents chances. Southampton bossed possession, but offered little other than the two goals.
The two points dropped will be painful now, but Newcastle must acknowledge the progress they have made in the last couple of years.
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