Koeman focused on Saints

Ronald Koeman can see himself returning to Barcelona as manager one day, but the Dutchman’s only focus now is continuing Southampton’s fine form.

Life at the Nou Camp is rocky, president Josep Maria Bartomeu announcing yesterday elections would be held early in a bid to lift the negative “tension” around the club, and rising tensions between head coach Luis Enrique and some of his players, including talisman Messi.

Koeman has been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Enrique if the Spaniard is sacked.

Barcelona list the former defender amongst their “legends” after a highly-successful spell as a player at the Nou Camp – a place he can see himself returning to as manager, albeit not in the immediate future.

Koeman’s goal now is to continue Southampton’s remarkable campaign at Manchester United.

Koeman is desperate to get the better of his former mentor. “It’s nice to beat him because he is a very good coach,” he said, having lost 2-1 to United last month. We had some problems in the past, but we shake hands and I hope he will do it on a good way with Man United and, of course, it’s special to beat him, but I lost the last time.”

Van Gaal’s side head into Sunday’s match in third – a point and a place better than surprise package Southampton. That is the least United should be doing, in Koeman’s opinion, given their vast resources and outlay.

“They have great players,” he said. “It is normal that they will fight for titles.”