Ronald Koeman targets Europe with Southampton
Saturday 7 November 2015 20:16, UK
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is targeting a return to European football after they continued their unbeaten run at Sunderland.
Dusan Tadic's second-half penalty was enough to secure a 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light and move the Saints up to seventh.
Southampton failed to reach the Europa League group stage as they were beaten by Danish champions Midtjylland but Koeman wants another crack.
Koeman said: "I think if we reach European football, it would be like we had won the title."
Asked if that was possible, he replied: "Of course it's possible. Why not? Why not? Do you think it's possible? We have the experience from last year.
"We know it's difficult because it's not easy to beat big teams, big clubs after 38 games in the Premier League. But we have potential, we have qualities, in my opinion, we have a squad now to fight for that.
"That's very good, that's positive and we will see what happens at the end of the season."
However, Koeman admitted that a top-four finish was probably beyond his team this season.
He said: "No, no, no. Top four? It's maybe too difficult. Qualifying for Europe means maybe seventh place - like last season - is possible, six, five, four...
"It's too early in the season to have an opinion on things about that. We like to enjoy football - that's one of the best qualities, how we like to play, and then you will win a lot of games, we know."
