Ronald Koeman says it’s “very important” for Southampton to make the most of their opportunity in the Capital One Cup every season.
Saints have reached the quarter-finals of the competition in both seasons since Koeman took charge of the club, with the Dutchman highlighting the competition as a real chance to win silverware.
After last season’s disappointment against Sheffield United, Koeman says Saints have two reasons to be looking to try and progress against Liverpool on Wednesday night.
“It’s very important [the Capital One Cup] because we have, as a Southampton team, two opportunities to win a title,” Koeman told reporters ahead of the game.
“One is the FA Cup and the second is the Capital One Cup. We don’t win the Premier League, and it’s very important.
“Firstly about the competition because we would like to reach the semi-finals.
“And second, after the two defeats the best way to get back full confidence is winning and that’s about tomorrow.
“We play for a semi-final and a semi-final is an away game and a home game and then you can play a final at Wembley.
“I’m a sportsman and I like to win. I hate losing.”
Koeman says he feels the next step for the club is to win a domestic trophy – and the Capital One Cup presents his side with an opportunity to do just that.
“First, [a trophy] is well deserved for the club, all the people in the club and all the fans,” he added.
“The second, of course, it is the next step. That is one of the meetings we had with the team at the start of the season, about improving and being better than last year.
“After several seasons doing fantastic work in the club and growing and improving, then of course it’s something which you can win and we will fight and do everything to win.”
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