Zimpapers Logo

United Kingdom. — Southampton manager Ronald Koeman believes that his side have the quality to qualify for European soccer competition and enjoy a “fantastic season” in the English Premier League.

The Saints retained second place in the table after recording their 10th win in 11 matches with a 1-0 victory over Hull City at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

Dutchman Koeman has made an impressive start to his first spell in English football, having taken over from Mauricio Pochettino in the summer.

The former Netherlands defender said: “Expectation is high, but I like that because we like to win something.

“Football players like to win games and if you win games, you will have good possibilities.

“Maybe to play in Europe, you never know.

“Everybody knows we have to work hard every day and the players are incredible in the way they are acting together. The spirit that we showed is important and we have to keep that.

“It’s easy to keep that if you win, but more difficult if you lose. If we keep like this, it can be a fantastic season.”

Victor Wanyama capitalised on a mistake from Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic to score the only goal of the match in the third minute.

Jakupovic’s clearance was weak and the Kenyan midfielder scored with a first-time shot from 40 yards.

Southampton have failed to take maximum points on only three occasions from 10 league matches so far and boast the best defensive record in England.

Koeman (51) admitted he did not expect to make such a strong start as manager at St Mary’s.

He said: “I’m surprised a little bit, of course, about the points that we have, but not surprised about the quality in the team because we have good players. — AFP.