Koeman confident in Saints’ style

Ronald Koeman is keen to stick to his footballing philosophies despite a poor run of form that has seen his side lose seven of the last nine games.

Koeman was speaking to the press on Thursday ahead of Saints’ FA Cup clash against Crystal Palace at St. Mary’s on Saturday. When asked about a possible change to their philosophies, Koeman stressed that his side will stick to their style of football.

Koeman said: "We play always like a home team, even if we play away. We played West Ham and we dominated the game from the start. In the game we played Norwich we had nearly 60% ball possession. It’s all about what you make out of that ball possession.

"That’s our way of football. That’s our qualities what we have in our squad. We keep belief that’s the best way for our team.

"Still, the team is dominating games but it’s about scoring goals. I’m more worried if we don’t create chances, don’t play good football, then it’s really the moment to be worried about this season."

Koeman was also asked about the situations concerning Sadio Mane and Victor Wanyama. Koeman publically criticised the duo for their individual actions last week in the 1-0 loss to Norwich. Sadio Mane was dropped to the bench for failing to turn up on time for a pre-match team briefing whilst Wanyama received his marching orders after picking up two yellow cards.

"It’s too easy to mention after the mistake of Sadio or the second yellow [for Victor Wanyama] that the players are showing that they like to move. That’s not like that. The players know the position in the club and what we think of the players.

"If there is any player [who thinks] if his behaviour is not good, that makes it easier for the player then I put the player in the stands until the end of the contract.

"They are important players. They like to be here. What happens at the end of the season, nobody knows that. They like to continue and make a good season. They are still happy. We need a good Wanyama, we need a good Mane because with both players you have more chance to win a game."

Koeman quashed suggestions that he’d rotate the squad because it was a cup game, stating that a regular line-up will help build momentum to put an end to their poor league form.

"I don’t make the team because we play a strong or not so strong opponent. We are not in a situation to do a lot of changes. What we need is to continue what we are doing and find a better balance in scoring goals and trying to play our football.

"I know one and half seasons here, I never change a lot because I don’t believe in rotation in football."

Cedric Soares and Juanmi will both be available whilst Graziano Pelle, Jay Rodriguez, Florin Gardos and Fraser Forster remain out.