Thursday 1 January 2015 21:25, UK
Ryan Bertrand has given the clearest indication yet that he is prepared to make his loan move to Southampton a permanent one.
Bertrand is on a season-long loan from parent club Chelsea and has impressed for the Saints, playing 90 minutes for the south-coast club on 21 occasions so far this term.
Speaking after the 2-0 win over Arsenal on Thursday, Bertrand said: “I’m very happy here, playing week-in, week-out first and foremost. Playing the way we play, with these players, this manager and this coaching staff is getting the best out of me.”
When asked if he can see himself playing at St Mary’s on a permanent basis, Bertrand replied: “Yeah definitely. I’m enjoying my football here so we will see what the future holds.”
Southampton consolidated fourth place with the win over Arsenal and centre-back Florian Gardos is confident the side can remain in contention for Champions League qualification at the end of the season.
When asked if a top-four finish was a realistic aim, Gardos said: “Yeah I think so. The tough period has passed for us. Obviously we must concentrate but I think we have a good chance.
“I think the win was very important. This is a critical part of the season, the end of December and the beginning of January and of course Arsenal is a big team so it is a big win today.”
After a run of five consecutive defeats Southampton have bounced back to win three of their last four matches and Gardos believes manager Ronald Koeman deserves a lot of credit for their success.
He said: “Everybody can see how the team is playing and the position we are now in, in the Premier League. I think at the beginning of the season everybody was a bit sceptical because a lot of players left but he did a great job and we can see the results now.”
Defender Toby Alderweireld added: “I think he understands how we have to play football. He knows our strengths and weaknesses. He puts the right players in the right positions and he gives us the belief that we can be something special.”
