Southampton believe a top-four finish is possible, says Koeman

 

The Saints did their chances of Champions League qualification no harm at all with a 2-0 win over Arsenal on New Year's Day and the manager feels confidence returning to his side

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman feels that his side are gaining the confidence required to secure a top-four finish.

The Saints sit fourth in the English top flight, two points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham, following their 2-0 win over Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium on New Year's Day.

That result, secured by goals from Sadio Mane and Dusan Tadic, came on the back of a 1-1 home draw with title challengers Chelsea and hopes are high on the south coast that their winter results can fuel a serious push for Champions League qualification.

"It's difficult to be always on the top. We are back in our way how we like to play football," Koeman told reporters ahead of his side's FA Cup meeting with Ipswich Town.

"The confidence in the team is back after the draw against Chelsea. [Thursday] was another example that we can beat teams like Arsenal.

"Sometimes you watch the table, that's normal. Little by little, we believe in our qualities and a top finish in the league.

"We have to be in every game 100 per cent and keep the spirit in the team. If we can keep that, everything is possible."

Mane limped off in the 42nd minute of the victory against Arsenal with an apparent hamstring injury, leaving Southampton facing an anxious wait over the results of a scan which the Senegal attacking midfielder will undergo on Friday.

Koeman remarked: "We have to wait for the results of the scan and then we can say something more."