Southampton boss Claude Puel believes that the late heartbreak at Arsenal will only fire up his side when they host Czech Republic’s Sparta Prague on Thursday.
Puel insisted that the quick turnaround between the fixtures is a “good thing” so the team can say “concentrated” on playing football.
The opening fixture of the Europa League group stages gives the Saints a break from their disappointing Premier League form, and gather some confidence into next weekend with a win over Zdeněk Ščasný men.
The visitors sit second in their native league and will come to the South Coast of England with huge confidence despite a 2-2 draw with Mlada Boleslav.
If Saints can muster a similar performance to the one they displayed at the Emirates – although in vain- then they can have no worries on getting off to a perfect start in their campaign.
Puel hopeful
The Frenchman also said it is “interesting” how quick the game has come around and playing every three days is a “good thing” and it helps to stay in the spirit.
Speaking about the visitors, Puel said that they are a “good team” who are “very dangerous on the ball.”
It’s important that Saints take the advantdge and get off to a good start in the competition with two games against Inter Milan, Hapoel Be'er Sheva and the reverse fixture against Sparta Prague to come.