https://southamptonfc.com/news/2016-10-21/video-claude-puel-pre-manchester-city-southampton Full interview with Claude.
https://southamptonfc.com/news/2016-10-21/image-gallery-training-manchester-city-southampton I wonder if they really didn't smile during training or it was edited so as not to suggest they don't care about losing.
I reckon edited out. I went to the game yesterday and I care about losing...but have been smiling all day. Whats there not not to smile about. Out played Inter Milan at heir place, probably had nice pasta, wine and met new people. Definitely smiling I think behind the cameras
These are the guys that didn't start or were not in the squad. They're miserable because they missed starting in the San Siro! Didn't see Targett or Bertrand there? The starters will be in recovery.
Can anyone help me out. Is this a good time to play city, or a bad time? I can't decide! Either they will be really up for it after a 4-0 tonking, or their confidence will be low. Either way, would be delighted with a point, but expecting a pretty sound defeat. Oh well, San Siro.
You're answering your own question - it's uncertain. If Man City were being the Man City they ought to be, with the personnel they have at their disposal, all we should be uncertain of is how heavy the defeat might be, ie. 1,2,3 or more goals against. But their recent poor form and iffy confidence have made this a game that is very difficult to call. Saints will probably be fired up to feel good again and winning will fix that issue, and Man City... well I just don't know. My guess is, their confidence has slipped a fair bit. Could be the game of the weekend.
It's all about getting in the players heads isn't it. If you can get some control of the game and ideally get an early goal then the fans start to get nervous and the players can feel that. Stop them scoring 1st half and we have a good chance I reckon
There is no team we need to fear the way we're playing, regardless of how they are playing. We're now a dangerous side for anyone to face, home or away. Vin
Just setting off. Buzzing already. Onionman Jr is hopping with excitement. Off to stay with one of my oldest friends for the night. A meal tonight on the curry mile in Rusholme then a win tomorrow will do nicely. Vin
On the subject of pasta, I had tagliattele bolognese near the Duomo - I give it five stars. Molto buono. As for City - we held our own in one of the great European venues (despite a dissapointing result). We are playing good football and have nothing to fear at the Etihad. Will need a faultless display from the defence though - Fonte definitely back for this I think - and of course from Romeu in front of them. I'd also have JWP on the field for this one. Up front I'd start JRod and Redmond - we need mobility. I'll probably let Claude pick the team though, eh. He's done okay so far.
At least Austin, Redmond, Davis, Clasie, Fonte have all had a good rest. That's a solid enough core. Worried about Tadic, Romeu, VVD all burning out. Perhaps Boufal could replace Tadic on 45, the other two simply have got to play the full 90. Rest the three of them on Wednesday though, no question.
I'm going good time to play them. They'll be vulnerable and if we can get at them and worry them there will be the opportunity to get the on the back foot. If we get chance and dont take them (when does that ever happen) they will come back at us without a doubt. Last time we met at home they were embarassing. Played like they were exhausted or really didnt give a toss. It will be different this time. Going for a squeakily close game. We could win this 1-0.
I don't think we need to worry about either Romeu or VvD burning out. The way they play they both conserve energy - they play with their brains as much as their legs. But yeah, rest them on Weds.
There are some teams harder to beat than others, but isn't it lovely being a Saints fan today....knowing that you can beat anyone on your day. We just need to convert chances.....and we've been saying that for a few seasons now. That will make the difference between a good season and a great season.
They seem to have a no long balls out from the goalkeeper rule, so it's a shame we won't have Long. Need to catch them at the back and make life difficult.
