Southampton boss Claude Puel explains importance of Sunderland game

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The Saints boss says Wednesday night’s EFL Cup game is vital for the squad.

Southampton manager Claude Puel before the match

Southampton boss Claude Puel has emphasized the importance of his side’s EFL Cup Fourth-Round tie with Sunderland at St. Marys’ on Wednesday night.

Speaking to the official club website, the Frenchman explained the game was essential for his squad, particularly some of The Saints’ younger players.

Puel told SouthamptonFC.com, “I think it’s a very important game. It’s important to continue in this competition for the squad, for the young players – to continue the work with them and to see good progression for every player. It’s a possibility also to win something.

Southampton’s Nathan Redmond celebrates scoring their first goal

As Southampton extend their unbeaten league run to five games, the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday was another indication of what Claude Puel has brought to the club since his arrival this summer.

In what has been a injury-hit start to the campaign, The Saints have still been able to call on adequate replacements, with left-back Sam McQueen the latest of a seemingly constant talent line on the South coast.

Inter Milan’s Antonio Candreva in action with Southampton’s Sam McQueen

The domestic cup competitions are therefore pivotal to the squad’s development, as the likes of Jake Hesketh, Harrison Reed and Jack Stephens are given their chance to impress.

It will also be the chance for club-record signing Sofiane Boufal to build up match confidence, as the Moroccan settles into life in England.

As Southampton look to secure a quarter-final League Cup berth for the second successive season, Puel is eyeing silverware as the Frenchman stresses the significance of playing in all competitions, including on the continents.

Southampton’s Jose Fonte in action with Sunderland’s Adnan Januzaj

He will look to improve on the point his side took against The Black Cats in the opening weeks of the season – one of just two points David Moyes’ men have recorded thus far.

The Saints boss finished, “We will see this for the future. Now it’s more important to win tomorrow and to continue in all the competitions.

“I think it’s important to continue our good work and we will see for the future what the possibilities to continue in this competition and all the competitions are, and perhaps even a title at the end, but this is a long way away right now.”