Matt Le Tissier: Southampton have the right to believe in making the top four this season
Thursday 15 January 2015 11:23, UK
Club legend Matt Le Tissier insists Southampton fans have the right to believe they can secure Champions League football after beating Manchester United on Super Sunday.
Ronaldo Koeman’s men leapfrogged Manchester United to go third in the Premier League table with the win and they now sit three points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal, who they beat on New Year’s Day.
The Saints attracted more backing than any other side for relegation over the summer, according to Sky Bet, but are now just 11/8 to secure a top-four finish, having been offered at as long as 80/1 back in August.
Le Tissier said: “When you’ve picked up seven points against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, there will certainly be a few more fans starting to believe.
The most consistent part of the team is that backline, very solid and organised.
“I think once you get into this stage of the season, anybody down to Liverpool will believe they have a decent chance of making the top four and we’re certainly one of those teams.
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“The point that we got against Chelsea just gave us that little bit of belief that we can get something out of those big games.”
Ronald Koeman’s side also boast the best defensive record in the Premier League this season, conceding just 15 times, with Fraser Forster keeping 10 clean sheets.
Soccer Saturday pundit Le Tissier has been impressed with the way the Dutch boss has organised the side in just six months, adding: “The most consistent part of our team is the defence – Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand are as good as any full-back pairing in the Premier League and all of the centre-backs have been brilliant.
"The most consistent part of the team is that back-line, very solid and organised.
"I’ve been very impressed by him (Koeman), he has been an absolute rock and didn’t panic when the club lost the spine of the team.
"He went about his business very well and brought in some key players. The players certainly have a lot of respect for him as well."
Le Tisser insists he did not begin to worry during the summer, when the Saints allowed Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert to leave.
"I was always aware that the money was being spent on the players and I always said don’t panic and never feared for relegation."
Back Southampton to finish in the top-four at 11/8 with Sky Bet.
