MOI Elyounoussi insisted Saints performed well “against a good team” but will have learned “things we can do better” in a 3-1 defeat to RB Leipzig.

The Norwegian international started and played the first 60 minutes for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, before the Austrian made 10 changes to his outfield setup.

It was not until the 10 substitutions had been made that Saints made their breakthrough, through Adam Armstrong, but it was important minutes for Elyounoussi alongside Nathan Tella and new signing Joe Aribo.

Giving his verdict to the club website after the match, Elyounoussi said: “It was good from the boys, for everyone to get some minutes.

“We’ve been working on some patterns offensively, defensively as well and it was a good test against a good team who definitely tested some of the things we’re working on, so in the end, a good 60 minutes in the tank.

“I think we did a good game, against a good team, and for sure some tips we’re going to look at, things we can do better, things we can improve on and things we did well but can improve on as well. In the end, the boys liked it, a good challenge, and for the boys who came on it was a good 45-60 minutes.”

After defeat to the Champions League regulars, Saints are set to face Austrian Bundesliga side SKA Klagenfurt to end their trip abroad on Monday, July 18.

“You can train as much as you want but you need to get it on the pitch against an opposition that can challenge you with the things you’ve been working on so that’s a good thing,” Elyounoussi added.

“We have a lot of good opponents we’re going to play against that will challenge the things we’re working on. We’re looking forward to the next one, so far, so good.”

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