The Uruguayan worldwide spent last season on loan at Hull City, and was widely linked with a move away from the Saints during the summer, but a combination of factors appears to have helped him force his way back into Koeman’s thinking.
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Southampton are confident of agreeing to the terms of a new deal with Ronald Koeman despite interest from the Netherlands national team for his services, Express reports.
Graziano Pelle missed the trip to MK Dons after a kick to the foot but is set to return for the visit of Swansea, while Jay Rodriguez will hope to continue his impressive return to action after missing last season recovering from a serious knee injury.
“It was a tremendous learning curve for me and my players in offensive and defensive play that we will take forward into our campaign”.
The Dons now sit in 20th place in the Sky Bet Championship table, having accrued seven points from eight league games so far this season. Of course, the Premier League normally is a stronger competition than Holland and Scotland, but he played very good. What do you make to your manager’s comments in the wake of such a thumping?
“Still, he isn’t the first choice on the position in front, but I know his qualities”.
“I don’t think Houdini could have got us a result tonight – you have to remain positive, my response is how I’ve told them (the players) to feel”. “The Premier League is very tough so I know I have to work hard”.
A lack of on-field discipline has also frustrated the Saints boss, although he spotted a few positive signs in Milton Keynes.
Reports have emerged that Koeman has been identified as a candidate to replace Danny Blind, who succeeded Guus Hiddink in July, but the 52-year-old says he is happy at St Mary’s Stadium. What he did yesterday was different than sometimes when he played (as he played with discipline).
It arrived after 10 minutes when Mané went past his man down the right side of the box and the Senegal global clipped his finish over the advancing Martin.
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“Like us, Swansea in my opinion is an example how you have to do the football business”, Southampton manager Koeman said.
