Manager Ronald Koeman has laid out the blueprints for the upcoming season, having had a glimpse of the potential over the first third.
Yesterday, Southampton picked up their fifth Premier League win of the season making it six league games without defeat, eight in all competitions.
Once again the summer saw both departures and new signings but it seems that Koeman’s ability to rebuild a squad is perhaps second to none. This being proved by new boys; Stekelenburg, Cedric, Clasie and Van Dijk who have all found regular places in the starting line up.
Speaking after victory at the home of the Black Cats, Koeman compared the prospect of European qualification to winning the title. Explaining why, he said:
‘Of course it is possible, why not? We have the experience from last year. We know it’s difficult because it is not easy to beat big teams after 38 games in the Premier League. But we do have potential and we have qualities. In my opinion, we have a squad to fight for that.
‘That’s very good and positive and we will have to see what happens come the end of the season.’
Regarding past experience Ronald obviously refers to both last season’s quest, where qualification was achieved through seventh place, and an early tease of what could be to come this season.
Although the south coast club were knocked out via a 2-1 aggregate defeat to FC Midtjylland at the start of the campaign, the manager believes that this can only strengthen the Saints’ chances in future efforts.
Koeman however did admit that despite early success in the League and the gelling of new players with the old, a Champions League slot may be more of a pipe dream than a realistic one. When asked he said:
‘No, no, no. Top Four? It’s maybe too difficult. Qualifying for Europe means maybe seventh place like last season. It is possible, six five, four… But it is too early in the season to have an opinion on things like that. We like to enjoy our football and that is one of our qualities. We know how we like to play and you win a lot of games that way.’
As for Southampton’s chances of progressing into the Europa League once again, time will tell all. It is a long season and it seems this year, particularly, very little is to be taken for granted. Just ask Jose Morinho!
But with Koeman in charge of this steady ship, which seems to only know the direction of forwards, time will tell what the little club on the south coast can really achieve.
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