Southampton manager Claude Puel insisted he had made the right decision to rest four key players for the clash with Hapoel Be'er Sheva.
He also praised his team for earning what appeared a valuable point following a goalless draw and explained his decision to substitute youngster Jake Hesketh in the 35th minute was because of his concern about the game's physicality and not the player's performance.
The combination of the 0-0 stalemate and a 3-1 victory for Sparta Prague over Inter Milan leaves Southampton at the top of Group K and, like second-placed Hapoel, with a total of four points from two games.