Ronald Koeman: ‘Pressing and movement key to win over Chelsea’

Every team has a slow start and we’ve managed to patch that up.

Koeman went on to say that they went through a few clips together to improve his decision making more, and now that he’s really fit properly you can see the difference in him both in training and in games at the minute.

The Dutchman told reporters at the pre-match press conference that perhaps “defensively they lost a little bit”, saying that the goals they have conceded this season is a “big difference to their triumphant campaign last time out”.

The fact Bertrand had been called up this time around after only one appearance for Southampton following summer knee surgery is either a reflection he has altered Hodgson’s opinion of him or of the lack of alternative options available in the absence of Baines and Shaw.

This week saw Ryan Bertrand celebrating.

Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand has revealed that confidence is high in the squad ahead of this weekend’s game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, suggesting that what the Saints need now is a degree of greater consistency.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman will look to exploit any lack of confidence in struggling Chelsea’s back line when his team take on the Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Bertrand’s absence was a key factor in Southampton’s stuttering beginning to a league campaign which seems finally to have stirred into life with the victory over Garry Monk’s men.

The current champions might have finished the game three goals shy of their opponents had Dusan Tadic been a touch more efficient, but he could not find a way past Terry’s block despite a few incisive passing from an inspirational Mane late on.

Fabregas admitted that they have not been playing at their best and can not afford to slip up again if they are to try and retain the title.

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“We haven’t started well but that doesn’t mean that this team which won two trophies last season is not good“.

Alex Crook is a national newspaper journalist, commentator and author.