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Virgil van Dijk disappointed with Southampton's start to the season

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton fouls Troy Deeney of Watford during the Premier League match between Southampton and Watfo
Image: Virgil van Dijk has been ever-present so far for Southampton this season

Virgil van Dijk admits Southampton are still trying to adapt to new manager Claude Puel's methods and insists their start to the season has not been good enough.

The Saints, who finished sixth last season, have drawn twice and lost once in their opening three games, including Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland that Van Dijk says has left the squad disappointed going into the international break.

Southampton face a tough trip to Arsenal in two weeks' time before they start the Europa League group-stage slog and Van Dijk has urged the team to find form quickly.

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Claude Puel was disappointed with a point at home against Sunderland

"We had an amazing season last year and we need to try to reach that level again," the Dutchman said.

"Obviously it's going to be hard with all the changes but we need to adapt soon. Everything's a bit new so we need to adapt as well, but that's no excuse.

"The manager wants us to play a different style of football and it takes a bit of time, and we need to adapt on everything.

Jay Rodriguez fires in Southampton's equaliser
Image: Jay Rodriguez scored a late equaliser as Southampton drew 1-1 Sunderland

"It's not good enough. As a team we can't be happy with a draw against Sunderland at home, with all due respect. We can't be happy with the performance and the result and we need to do much better.

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"I'm disappointed and that's the worst feeling to go into the international break. It wasn't good enough."

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