Vitesse captain Guram Kashia: ‘Southampton best team in Europa League draw’

Koeman’s men impressed in the Premier League last season, but despite acknowledging them as the strongest team in the draw, Kashia backed his side to upset the odds.

Ronald Koeman has labelled the Europa League “Southampton’s Champions League” ahead of their gruelling 10-month season.

Vitesse captain Guram Kashia admits that his side have been “unlucky” to draw Southampton in Europa League qualifying, but insists that they can pull off a shock.

“I’m not anxious about playing in Europe and playing in the Premier League because I believe in the qualities of the players, the spirit of the players and to do it well in both competitions”.

The move has been introduced strictly for the Europa League, with SAINTS returning to its £4 cover price for pre-season fixtures, Barclays Premier League and other cup competitions.

‘That is one of the reasons why I have a full and strong squad with balance in the team to manage both competitions.’. We bought good replacements for that position, so I’m happy with that. We are in a good place.

Koeman landed England worldwide Steven Caulker on a season loan from QPR to end their defensive crisis.

Jose Fonte says Southampton need another centre-back and has revealed the club are working on two or three more summer signings.

“We still need another centre back to cover or to compete with me and Maya”.

“It’s going to be a special night for everyone at the football club, especially the fans and that’s why we wanted to thank them for their continued support and give them something extra”.