TEMPO.CO, London - Southampton could still qualify for the Champions League but should be fiercer when in front of goal to keep their European dream alive, manager Ronald Koeman said on Monday.
After last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by West Bromwich Albion, Southampton have slipped to sixth in the Premier League table or four points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.
Former Saints boss Alan Pardew will lead Crystal Palace to St Mary's on Tuesday, but Koeman is aiming at victory after mapping out his squad's route towards the European qualification.
"Champions League football is still possible if we win seven or eight of 11 matches but it will be difficult," Koeman told a news conference. "If we win five of 11 games that means 61 points and we will be playing European football.
"We had a difficult period in December and the players had a fantastic reaction. I expect the same."
Most of Southampton's early success was thanks to striker Graziano Pelle, who has netted 12 goals in all competitions this season. But the Italian has not returned to his best performance since last December.
Koeman defended Pelle by saying his squad should take more advantage of their opportunities to be in the top four.
"We need to be more ruthless in the box but it's not just the strikers, it's the team who needs to create more chances. I need to be clear to the players in what we are trying to do and trying to reach,” Koeman said.
"It's a difficult time for him (Pelle) but he's got the qualities. I know the player well and he needs support. I don't like to focus on one player. We need more players in a better shape in our attacking. Strikers live for goals."
ANTARA
