Southampton manager Ronald Koeman hails Swansea as being 'excellent role model'

Ronald Koeman says Southampton and Swansea are examples of how to conduct "football business" on and off the pitch.

Swansea's attack-minded philosophy and ability to replace outgoing stars is akin to that of Southampton who have improved season by season since returning to the top table three years ago.

The teams go head to head in the Premier League on Saturday at St Mary's and Saints' boss Koeman has nothing but praise for the Swans.

He said: "Like us, Swansea in my opinion is an example how you have to do the football business. They have a very good coach and manager, they try to play attractive football.

"They lost some good players, signed some other good ones and are still fighting for a high position on the table.

They have a very good coach and manager, they try to play attractive football.

"We can compare Swansea to our team and that's maybe the reason it's a difficult game for both teams.

"Look back at last season and we won in Swansea and they won here. It's close and it's detail that makes the difference this Saturday."

And Koeman admits that Southampton have one eye on the Capital One Cup which Swansea lifted in 2013.

The south coast club set up a last-16 tie with Aston Villa following their 6-0 drubbing of MK Dons on Wednesday.

The Dutchman added: "We like to win and will do everything to win the League Cup.

"We know it's difficult because still all the big ones are in the tournament but, maybe finally with some home games starting with Aston Villa, we maybe have a chance to reach the final of the League Cup which is a dream for the club and the fans and we will do everything to do that."