Ronald Koeman admits this could be a special weekend for Saints as they come up against former manager Mauricio Pochettino, but he is only interested in the result.

Koeman took charge at St Mary’s following Pochettino’s defection to White Hart Lane, where Saints travel to on Sunday looking to continue their fantastic start to the season.

The game certainly has plenty of spice added to it but for Koeman this is nothing special.

“For me not because I wasn’t here last season, but I understand for Mauricio Pochettino maybe it’s special. I think it’s special for him and maybe for some players,” he said.

“We changed a lot this season in our squad but it’s always special for some players who worked with Mauricio last season but there is no influence in the final result because the most important thing is to win the game or lose the game.”

When asked if he felt Saints could finish above Tottenham this season, Koeman replied: “If we continue like this I think there is a possibility, but normally teams like Tottenham, like Man United, they will be up in the list because they have enough very good players.

“Maybe too much good players, but that makes the club big, the name is big, and we try to do it in our way.

“If we keep the belief, if we keep the spirit, nothing is impossible.”