Everton target Ronald Koeman insists he is only focused on getting Southampton into Europe – and not the vacant Blues job.
Advertisement
Roberto Martinez has been sacked by Everton but who’s favourite to take over?
“I mentioned last week, everybody knows I have one year more contract”, he said.
The Dutchman had been top of the shortlist to succeed Martínez at Goodison Park but told a press conference that he would sit down with the Saints board next week with a view to discussing his current deal before he goes on holiday.
“I was surprised [by the reports]”, Koeman said.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman accepts the club’s ability to keep their key players will dictate whether they can improve next season. “And we will sit together and we will analyse this season and we will talk about the future – and that’s what the news is”.
Southampton play at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
“It is possible [to sign a contract next week] but that is always depending on the conversation”.
The pair follow defender Virgil van Dijk in committing to the club, with the Dutchman having agreed new terms until 2022 in the past week. It’s been another good year for the club and I think there’s real ambition around the place and it’s good to be a part of it.
The Barcelona legend added: “I know nothing about the Everton job”.
But Hughes stressed he is happy at Stoke and says he still has much to do as he approaches the third anniversary of his appointment.
“What is good is that the club are happy with the work, together with the technical staff and the players, that we have done”, said Koeman.
Advertisement
“You can have a plan and years of contract, but if we don’t win next season then the manager isn’t what the manager is now”.
