Saints headed to the birthplace of Mozart for the Audi Cup tournament, but although they looked composed they slipped to two defeats.

Saints put out two different sides for each game in this tournament which as clearly being used as part of the preparation for the Europa League rather than any barometer of the teams weakness and strengths.

In the first game Saints were edged out 1-0 by Valencia and then in the second 2-0 by hosts Red Bull Salzburg in two games that Saints despite each side containing a mixture of experience and youth they still looked comfortable on the ball.

But in both games they looked a little toothless going forward, Juanmi looked like he could be a handful although he is going to have to beef up a bit for the more physical challenge of the Premier, Cedric Soares appears to be the real deal at right back, although Martina playing at left back in the second game looked a little rusty although in fairness that could be more about only just arriving at the club a week ago.

Maarten Steklenburg looked good against Red Bull and made some quality saves.

In the first game Saints appeared every bit of a match for Valencia, but in the second they were definitely second best.

So not a lot of questions answered in either game for the 100 or so Saints fans present at the Red Bull Arena, but Ronald Koeman will be glad to get a good workout for his squad in what is very early days in the pre season preparation.

Photo: Action Images

chalks82 added 09:43 - Jul 12 Everyone will have a different opinion, but what I watched did worry me a bit. Jack Stephens has not lived up to the potential he had when he joined us from Plymouth. He looked poor for England in the u20 tournament, poor against Leipzig and poor against Valencia. I hoped this could be a big chance for Gardos, but he failed to impress. I know this is still early days in preseason, but we haven't looked very solid, lets hope Les gets the signings he has put bids in for. By the way Nick, I think you'll find Martina played in the first game, it was Debayo at left back in the second game.

0

saintdavid added 09:55 - Jul 12 i thought the stripes team were significantly better than the green team, primarily because of Wanyama and Reed competing in central midfield. I was really disappointed with ramirez, gape and Davis in midfield which exposed a real shambles at the back. last couple of years have been built on a solid back seven but with only Fonte remaining in defence and Wanyama in holding midfield, quality replacements are needed.

2

winchesterbob added 10:18 - Jul 12 Schneiderlin did not feature at all, is this an indication that his head is elsewhere?
1

DPeps added 10:18 - Jul 12 It wasn't great and I'm not sure I agree that we looked composed, in the second game especially. Reflecting on this, however,we're unlikely to ever have to fieldeither of the teams that played yesterday. That midfield in the second game was particularly weak defensively, and you'd never start a game with both Tadic and Gaston. Clearly it was just an exercise in looking at individual players, but from the look of Ron's face I don't think he was that impressed with what he saw

0

BUCK added 15:09 - Jul 12 i dont know why people are anylising these games, they were supposed to be a light run out, we got our european game in a couple of weeks and we dont need any injuries. saints did not take this seriously and neither did ronald. as for morgan, he will be going to man u for certain. jordy clasie will be announced monday as our next signing. morgan has most probably already signed for man u already but they wont release these details until clasie is confirmed on monday

1

sidsaint added 17:11 - Jul 12 Despite this being a pre season run out the stripes looked by far the better of the 2 although they should have scored when hitting the bar. In the second game the defence was sloppy and chances missed. RK looked very annoyed at times or maybe he had just seen Les arrive waiving a piece of paper. BT commentary shocking and unprofessional whether they had a team sheet or not, the commentator had never seen Saints play.

0

SaintBrock added 08:55 - Jul 13 Many of these players will not feature in the PL squad, whether or not these kick-abouts help Koeman decide who's in, who's out is debatable but at least the kids are getting a chance to step up. Isgrove for sure but who else? Any new signings will consign even more of them to the margins. Must be last chance saloon for some like Gaston with plenty of time to move them on later.Not quite so sure about Harry Reed now, I have always liked the look of him but he seems to lose it under pressure too often. Makes JWP look like Mr Cool. No Targett, Bertrand, Ward Prowse or Frazer of course who are guaranteed to be in the 24. No

0

SanMarco added 11:31 - Jul 13 These games don't really mean anything but it is (slightly) interesting that we have let in 8 in effectively 2 games. Hopefully Koeman will move to make sure we reach a dozen league games before conceding that many because that was the base for our success last season.
0

Blogs 31 bloggers

Blackpool Polls