Southampton boss Ronald Koeman targets 'special' season

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman says he will be able to look back on a "special" season if his players secure qualification for the Europa League.

Saints' chances of claiming one of the European spots are in jeopardy after they recorded just one victory in their last six matches to leave them clinging to seventh place in the Premier League table.

Only a top-six finish would guaratee Koeman's side continental football next term but their current position would be good enough if Arsenal beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup final on May 30.

Southampton host Villa on Saturday knowing victory will move them four points clear of eighth-placed Swansea before they take on Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium 24 hours later.

"If we win, we will have a good possibility to achieve the sixth or the seventh position in the table and that makes the season a special one in my opinion," said the Dutchman.

"It's always difficult because if someone offered me a paper in pre-season to finish eighth or seventh in the table, I would have asked, 'where can I sign that paper?'

"But, of course, the feeling in the last part of the season is also important and, of course, you have to look back to the whole season. It will be a good season for Southampton but if we don't reach the sixth or seventh position, you end the season with a little bit of a different feeling.

"The Europa League may not be what the bigger clubs want, they want Champions League football, but for us - and I think for Swansea, I think for Stoke - it's a big achievement to play in Europe.

"There is no issue that we will do everything to reach that possibility. What will happen afterwards, we will see how we have to handle that, but it will be a great achievement for the club if we reach European football."