Ronald Koeman retains Europa League hopes for Southampton
Saturday 23 April 2016 18:35, UK
Ronald Koeman says European qualification is a possibility as Southampton moved to within two points of sixth place with a 4-2 win at Aston Villa.
A double from Dusan Tadic, plus goals from Shane Long and Sadio Mane, handed the Saints a fine away win against already-relegated Villa, while Liverpool dropped points with a 2-2 draw against Newcastle.
With three games to go, Saints can still qualify for the Europa League in sixth place, and Koeman was delighted with his side's performance at Villa Park.
"Yes, it's always possible if you still believe in something then you can reach that. It starts by winning. Job done today, and on to the next.
"You can't criticise the team for scoring four away from home, even with Villa's situation, four goals is very good.
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"I think it was also a very good moment for Jay Rodriguez to start today because he needs game time to come back to this level.
"It made the team a little bit more fresh compared to last week."
Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, though Koeman is happy with the strength in depth in "most positions" at the club, he insists he will always strive to make the team better.
"Most of the positions yes [we have strength in depth], but we would always like to improve the team and bring in better players than we have, and that's what we'll try because we like to continue and to be even better next season."
Aston Villa fans made their feelings known to both players and the board throughout the game at Villa Park, as they prepare for football in the second tier for the first time since 1987.
Koeman sympathised with the Villa fans after what has been a wretched season and hopes the club bounces back soon.
"It's difficult, it's bad for the club because it's a fantastic stadium, fantastic fans, great pitch to play football and they'll play in the Championship next season.
"It's not good for the club, it's a great club with big history and I hope they come back soon."
