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Claude Puel: 'Victory over Sparta Prague a major confidence boost'

Puel: 'Sparta win a major confidence boost'
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Claude Puel admits that Thursday evening's victory over Sparta Prague was "important for the confidence of the squad" after a winless start to life on the south coast.

Southampton manager Claude Puel has backed his team to push on from their Europa League victory over Sparta Prague and pick up their first Premier League win of the season this weekend.

The Saints made a bad start to life under the Frenchman, failing to win any of their opening four top-flight games to find themselves inside the division's bottom three at this early stage.

Southampton's fortunes may well have changed, however, with a resounding victory over Sparta at St Mary's on Thursday evening ensuring that they finally got off the mark under Puel at the fifth attempt.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday's meeting with Swansea City on the south coast, Puel told reporters: "I think it was good for the players - they played a good game but it is just the first win and it is important now to continue.

"I think this game was important for the confidence of the squad. I said yesterday it was important to show that Southampton have good players.

"We can see yesterday the quality of the players and it is okay for me to change the team because all the players have good spirit and good personality."

Southampton face Swansea, West Ham United and Leicester City in the league, while also taking on Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup, prior to the second international break of the season.

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A general shot of the Europa League trophy on June 24, 2013
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