Ronald Koeman says it was a boost to begin pre-season training with three signings already secured.
New goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and forward Juanmi joined the squad at Staplewood on Monday morning, while Cédric Soares is due to link up in a week’s time.
And Koeman says he’s pleased to have already strengthened the squad well in advance of the new campaign.
“The best way to have a good adaptation for the player that he starts quickly in the pre-season,” he told youtube.com/southamptonfc.
“In my opinion it’s best that you make the first step and you don’t wait about losing players and then signing players – then everybody knows you have so much money and you have to pay much more money for the player.
“That’s a very good positive message because we continue like we did in the last season.
“I’m happy with Maarten Stekelenburg,” continued Koeman, “because we know the injury of Fraser Forster will take some more months and we need three good goalkeepers.
“The second one is a great job with Cédric Soares – a player who is an international player.
“Of course, the signing of Juanmi made good publicity because he’s a young player and that’s good because that’s part of our philosophy in the club that we like to work with and develop young players.
“They are great signings for the club.”
VIDEO: We caught up with @RonaldKoeman earlier today. Watch the full interview – http://t.co/T9RgqlhPuS#saintsfchttps://t.co/WnyTypzTiC
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) June 29, 2015Those three signings are unlikely to be Saints’ last of the summer transfer window, with Koeman reiterating his desire to bring Toby Alderweireld back to the club after last season’s successful loan from Atlético Madrid.
However, the Saints boss admitted that prospect remains uncertain until an agreement can be reached with his parent club.
“We are still looking,” said Koeman, “but of course we have some doubts about players.
“For example: Toby Alderweireld. The player likes to stay, we like to keep the player but it’s a little difficulty at the moment with Atlético Madrid. I have a good hope he will stay for Southampton.
“We have the situation with Morgan Schneiderlin,” continued the coach. “We will have to wait [to see] what will happen. Until now, we have not a serious bid for him from Man United.
“We will wait, but OK – that’s business that normally starts from now. It’s no problem – it’s the first day.
“We have the experience from last season – it will be not the same this season, but we are prepared for everything. I am looking forward for another good season.”
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