Ronald Koeman expected slip in fortunes for Southampton

Ronald Koeman has revealed he expected his Southampton team would have a “difficult” season, having watched them surpass expectations and finish seventh in the Premier League in 2014-15.

Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat by Tottenham left them without a victory in six and at risk of joining the battle against relegation to the Championship when many had hoped they would improve on last season’s impressive display.

“I was expecting a difficult season, because expectations (are) higher than normal, higher than what is normal for Southampton, and we need to change our attitude, and normally I’m the first defending my players,” an angry Koeman said after his team carelessly allowed Harry Kane and Dele Alli to score avoidable goals.