Premier League: Burnley's Sean Dyche praises Ronald Koeman influence on Southampton
Friday 12 December 2014 14:42, UK
Sean Dyche has praised Ronald Koeman's influence on Southampton since the arrival of the Dutchman in the summer.
Saints' summer of upheaval had led to a widespread belief that Koeman would struggle to emulate the efforts of the team last season, but Dyche has admired the rebuilding process overseen on the south-coast.
The Clarets host Southampton on Saturday at Turf Moor and Burnley boss Dyche said: "He's done a fine job so far. He took over a club that was obviously in transition regarding the player-trading side and a lot was made out of that and where the team would go.
"They've brought in money and used money wisely to bring in some players he wanted and they look like a fine side.
"They've had a little blip at the moment but they've played the big boys of the division.
"He's doing a great job; that's how it looks to me. They're a good side and have a good mixture in there. They can play in different ways and so far, so good for him.
"But he's coming to Turf Moor and that's a challenge for them and a good one for us to go and pit our wits against those types of players and that type of manager."
Dyche did note that Saints' run of results can serve as a reminder of how complacency can never be allowed to creep into top-flight teams after recent reverses to Premier League heavyweights Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United dropped the club out of the top four to fifth.
"They (Southampton) maybe felt they were on a roll, getting to grips with it, then they come across some really powerful teams and it suddenly becomes more difficult," he added.
"We're looking at every team like that, not just the superpowers.
"You can't guarantee you've got to grips with it but you can get a feel, a sense that we're belonging slightly more than the early season when people were unsure and maybe some of our own players were unsure.
"They look slightly more assured now - certainly in the performances - and we have to take the performances into more wins."
