Ronald Koeman hails Southampton’s strikers after crushing win

Jay Rodriguez, Sadio Mané and Shane Long scored two goals apiece as Southampton coasted into the fourth round of the Capital One Cup at MK Dons. Of course, the Premier League normally is a stronger competition than Holland and Scotland, but he played very good.

Speaking to saintsfc ahead of the game, the gaffer explained that he felt MK Dons were a very good side so we had to be at our best to make sure we got the result we wanted.

Saints reached the quarter finals of the competition previous year before succumbing to a disappointing away defeat to Sheffield United in a big cup upset.

“We are the most under resourced team in the league and we are punching above our weight and I want that to continue”.

“Unfortunately we didn’t keep it for the whole 90 minutes”.

“He said: “(The only positive was there was only) three minute’s added time – I thought Maynard was good, Hall had a go as did Baker and Poyet but I don’t think there was many positives.

“I expect a tough game because for them it’s a great opportunity to play a Premier League team”, he said.

Bertrand was named in the PFA Team of the Year last term having joined Koeman’s side on loan at the start of the campaign before signing permanently in mid-season, and Bertrand’s return to action on Monday in Saints’ under-21s side means Koeman is optimistic for the defender. Everybody is working hard to get the chance to play. Bertrand successfully completed 45 minutes for Southampton’s Under-21s against Reading in a 2-5 away win.

McFadzean’s bad night continued as he cut out Juanmi’s cross for Rodriguez, only for his clearance bounce back off Long – who knew nothing about it – and loop into the net.

One player likely to be out though is Graziano Pelle who picked up a foot injury in the game last weekend against Manchester United, ad Koeman called him a doubt saying a decision would be made earlier today on his involvement.

The Dutchman also said Southampton had to be ready for MK Dons to approach the game with a “nothing to lose” attitude.

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