Southampton boss Ronald Koeman 'not afraid' of added expectation

Ronald Koeman is relishing the challenge that awaits next year after his debut Premier League season ended with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.

The result means Southampton finish seventh and must hope Arsenal beat Aston Villa in Saturday’s FA Cup final if they are to qualify for Europe.

Even if they do not make the Europa League, the campaign will still go down as a success after Saints secured their highest-ever Premier League finish.

“We knew it was going to be difficult with a lot of changes in the team, but the players did an amazing job this season,” Koeman told Sky Sports.

“The belief and spirit and ambition was great. We know the expectation will be different than it was this season but we have enough qualities and, if we keep the good players, I am not afraid about next season.”

Saints sold a number of their key players last summer, but Koeman is hopeful it will not be the same story in the upcoming transfer window.

“Firstly, it is about trying to keep the players," he said. "If we need somebody else to make the team stronger then we will try - that’s the business for the summer.

Reflecting on the defeat at the Etihad, the Dutchman said: “It was difficult, but we played well. In the first half, City had a little bit more domination but the second half was ours. We had some good chances but were not clinical enough and they were - that was the difference.”