Premier League: Ronald Koeman prefers to avoid premature talk of Champions League
Wednesday 31 December 2014 17:31, UK
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is keeping his focus on performances ahead of what he sees as the "obsession" of Champions League football.
Southampton open 2015 with a vital match as they host Arsenal, who are one place below the Saints in fifth with only goal difference separating them.
But Koeman says lying above Arsenal in the table at the turn of the year "means nothing" as they look to improve their hopes of Champions League qualification.
"For me it's not an obsession," said Koeman of the challenge for a top-four finish.
"I look more to how we play, and if we play in a system, develop the team organisation, then we will be in the first seven, eight teams in the league, because of those qualities we have, and we have shown them.
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"But it's not an obsession, because I don't like to watch the table every weekend; it means nothing.
"Okay if it's before the last weekend of the season it's different. But it's only half the season. On Thursday we have a difficult game and many more ahead. We have to keep doing what we are doing, and that's most important, game by game."
No sales
Turning his attention to January transfer business, Koeman has already recruited Eljero Elia on loan from Werder Bremen – a deal that will be formalised over the weekend – and he is keen to add another offensive player as well, if the right option becomes available.
The Dutchman has no intention of letting anyone leave St Mary's, despite Morgan Schneiderlin constantly being linked with rival clubs, and he will not rush loan defender Toby Alderweireld into making a decision about turning his season-long loan into a permanent move.
"We don't sell players in January, as I've said before," said Koeman. "If we need another player it will be an attacker.
"Elia is a good player for us because we like to play with wing players, fast players.
"The situation is very clear: I've spoken to Toby and I'd like for him to stay, but it's up to the player.
"He will get some time to think about his future, but of course like Ryan Bertrand and Toby, we would like to keep them because they are quality players and they have shown their qualities already."
