Ronald Koeman says his Southampton side are looking forward to going up against José Mourinho’s Chelsea at St Mary’s on Sunday.
After wins against Everton and Crystal Palace, Koeman believes his side will be full of belief again after hitting six goals and picking up six points from their previous two fixtures.
The Saints manager also believes some of the pressure has been lifted off his side thanks to the two victories.
He told saintsfc.co.uk: “I think the team is looking forward again with a lot of belief in how we play in a different system. They show they are very comfortable and that’s important.
“That makes winning easy if you play with that confidence. We look forward to Sunday because it will be great game. We know the qualities are very strong, we know the qualities of Chelsea.
“It’s a challenge and we will take that after a comfortable win against Crystal Palace. We know we have to be very good for a result but the two wins bring the team a lot of belief and we need that for Chelsea.”
Koeman is also looking forward to the personal challenge of going up against Chelsea boss Mourinho, who he worked with during his time at Barcelona in Spain. “It will be nice to meet him again. He’s a great manager and a great person. I look forward to seeing him, and to playing against Chelsea,” he added.
But the Saints manager warned he may have to make changes from the Boxing Day win against Crystal Palace, but is pleased to have everyone back from suspension and very few injuries.
His captain José Fonte will return from suspension, while Dušan Tadić was among the substitutes at Selhurst Park on Boxing Day.
“We know that it is very difficult to have the same line-up as Crystal Palace,” Koeman added. “We are lucky. We don’t have a lot of injuries or suspensions. Some maybe we will change.
“We will have a recovery on Saturday. It’s tough, but it’s the same for Chelsea.”
Share this: