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Puel wants positive Southampton reaction after EFL Cup final defeat

Southampton manager Claude Puel has urged his players to put the disappointment of their EFL Cup final defeat by Manchester United behind them and produce a positive end to the Premier League campaign.

Puel's side were beaten 3-2 at Wembley, having fought back from 2-0 down.

They travel to Watford on Saturday looking to move up from 13th place and Puel told the club's official website: "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 [the defeat] is difficult for us.

"For now it is important to keep our concentration about the Premier League. It is a strong challenge ahead."

After playing Watford, Southampton are not in action again until they travel to Tottenham on March 18 because United, who they had been due to play, are in FA Cup quarterfinal action against Chelsea.

Puel said: "We will stay two weeks with just one game, and this is difficult for the concentration and motivation.

"It is important to rise to this difficult challenge."

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