Arron Sanders gives his views on what was a disappointing result, but was ultimately a meaningless friendly.

On a very wet night at St Mary's last night, Saints were humbled in a 4-0 pre season friendly defeat to German based Bundesliga side outfit FC Augsburg.

It was certainly a night where any positives were hard to come by, where new boss Mauricio Pellegrino made his bow in front of his home supporters.

Augsburg took the lead on 35 minutes when Michael Gregoritsch netted the first, of his first half brace with a stunning strike from around 30 yards out with Fraser Forster well beaten.

He then doubled his tally not long after with a great header from a left wing cross, leaving Saints with a tough task ahead of themselves being 2-0 down at half time.

Pellegrino made 3 changes at the break with Jordy Clasie, Jack Stephens and Sam McQueen all entering the frey, in what was a half of not too much action the away side still managed to add 2 further goals to their tally.

With Ja-Cheol Koo adding a third via a free header from a set piece and Raphael Framberger added their fourth late on.

On top of the result it's self their was big holes tatically and individual errors made during the game.

The high pressing game that was trying to be deployed seemed half hearted from some players, and the high defensive line dosen't work if they all don't step up together.

Fitness is the key during pre season and the result is not the be all and end all, it could be said that it's good to get the individual errors out of their systems now as well.

Putting it into context though we suffered a heavy defeat to a side who are a week behind us in their pre season, and they looked the fitter side out of the two on the night so that for me is a genuine concern.

Their is a big hole in our defence with Jan Bednarek certainly one for the future as opposed to now, with a season with the U23's or on loan in the Championship maybe a suitible solution for him this season.

If Virgil gets his move we need 2 but certainly 1 good first team calibre central defender brought into the side.

On the Van Dijk saga briefly it could become a catch 22 situation for Saints, with what is best for the club may not be best for the first team squad.

The club need to stand firm to stem their reputation of being a selling club, and also not setting a precedent for future players angling for moves away.

The squad however clearly needs two or three additions of first team quality, and if the £60-70m fee gained from Virgil's sale helps that it could be for the better in longer term.

On the back of this game their are clearly things that need addressing on the training pitch between now and Swansea's vist to St Mary's.

The manager and his coaching staff will certainly be earning their money this week it seems.

What were your thoughts on the Augsburg game Saints fans? Are you concerned about the season ahead on the back of that performance?

Photo: Action Images

truthfulsaint added 06:16 - Aug 4 I wasn't impressed the closing down was not smart and not coordinated by the team. It was like watching a Sunday pub team. However, It's the third game of a new system. Systems take an average of seven games to master. Davies is carrying water, he's not consistent except for giving the ball away or playing someone into trouble. Boufal is also a waste of manpower on the pitch. He has a vital job and doesn't do it. Scary thing is I could pick 5/6 players who aren't up to scratch Clasie Foster HojBerg

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truthfulsaint added 08:30 - Aug 4 I don't thin we'll see a full season before civil war erupts anyway guys. Seems like the owners (Bankers) concur
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stmichael added 11:46 - Aug 4 Meaningless friendly because we lost 4-0 whereas St Etienne was a great work out because we won 3-0.. 4-0 home defeats are very damaging regardless of what type of game it is. Especially against bang average teams like Augsburg.
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