Ronald Koeman will have no problems leading Southampton into Europe next season, if Arsenal can defeat Aston Villa in the FA Cup this weekend.
Despite a remarkable season, Saints just missed out on a place in the Europa League as they finished seventh, but they could still sneak in if the Gunners come up trumps at Wembley.
Arsenal have already qualified for the Champions League, so their European spot will be allocated to the next-highest finishing team in the Premier League.
The strain the extra games put on a side playing in the Europa League can never underestimated, but Koeman says it will be good for the club and will be cheering on Arsenal at the weekend.
“I hope Arsenal will win the FA Cup next week because we may get a chance to play Europa League football next season,” Koeman told Sky Sports.
“It is important for the club, it is important for the players and it is a good experience for all the people in the club. It will be a nice challenge we hope but we have to wait.
“I am not a person that always thinks negatively. I am thinking positively about it because it will be good for the club. It would be good to put Southampton the club in Europe.
“I’m very happy. We had a difficult start in the pre-season and we did a great job – both the players and the staff. Overall I am very proud of what we did this season.”
Arsenal are 1.33 to lift the trophy and Aston Villa are available at 3.25.
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