Koeman: The perfect result

Graziano Pellè, Dušan Tadić and Shane Long scored the goals as Saints recorded their first win in European competition since 1981.

It puts Koeman’s side in control ahead of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round second leg in Holland next Thursday, and the Saints boss was pleased with his team’s victory.

“To win the first leg at home 3-0 in European football is the perfect result. It’s a great result to go to Holland with,” Koeman told youtube.com/southamptonfc.

“For sure in the first half, after a difficult start, we controlled the game and had some good chances. It was a great first goal of Pellè, good movement and a good pass from Sadio.

“Okay, the penalty makes it easier in the second half. Maybe we took it a little bit too easy in the second half and we didn’t try to dominate and score more goals.

“That wasn’t so good in the second half, you saw because they got a good chance at 2-0. 2-1 would have been a different result. That would have made the second leg totally different.

“It was a great atmosphere in the stadium. I think everyone is pleased with the final result. It’s the opening of the season and we hope it continues.”

Koeman was happy with debutants Cédric Soares, Jordy Clasie and Maarten Stekelenburg, while Victor Wanyama and Mané also received praise from the Saints boss.

“Jordy had a good understanding with Victor, who I thought was one of the best players on the pitch in my opinion,” Koeman added.

“Cédric had good movements in the first half. He was dangerous in the attacking position. Maarten made a good save at 2-0 and you always like to have the goalkeeper in that kind of important moment saving the team.

“Mané was outstanding,” Koeman continued. “He is fast and he had good movements in attack. He’s very difficult to defend in a good way against. He played well.

“I’m totally happy with the performance of the players.”