Saturday 6 May 2017 12:31, UK
Claude Puel has challenged Southampton's midfielders to hand Manolo Gabbiadini the service to drive the deadly Italian back to his goal-scoring best.
Gabbiadini struck six times in his first four Southampton matches in all competitions, but has since drawn a blank in four Premier League appearances.
Saints laboured to a goalless draw against Hull last time out and must now sharpen up their attacking play at Liverpool on Sunday.
And former Nice boss Puel has accepted Gabbiadini needs smarter support from Saints' creative talents.
"Football's a collective game, a striker needs good quality in the final third," said Puel.
"Manolo is a very good striker but he needs to have good opportunities because it's very interesting but it's important to see him, to find a good relationship and create the possibilities for him, to play in the final third.
"Because all this quality around the box with good moves, with clinical edge, to finish the action.
"And of course we need to find the spaces, good crosses, good passes, and good balance between the players.
"We've found it in many games but it wasn't there against Hull and it was difficult for our offensive players to find a situation and solution."
Puel's Southampton next travel to Liverpool on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1HD, looking for a return to winning ways after three league games without victory.
The last time the Saints were at Anfield, Puel's men pulled off a battling 1-0 win that secured their place in the EFL Cup final.
A similar result this weekend could see them rise up into the Premier League's top eight.
