Ronald Koeman admitted Saints’ recent away form has cost them even better than seventh place but still hailed an “amazing season” for the club.

Just one point from the last seven games on the road dented Saints’ chances of finishing higher than seventh, which they had to settle for after a final day defeat at Manchester City.

That disappointing run has been one of the few frustrations of an otherwise outstanding campaign.

Koeman said: “Amazing season. We did a great job.

“The players showed their qualities, the spirit in the team was amazing, difficult pre-season but little by little we showed our qualities, how we play, even today, we try to play attractive offensive football. If you finish seventh, that is our title, behind the big six what the Premier League has.”

He added: “This game today is a little bit different because we play against Man City but of course in our defeats in the last few away games maybe that’s the reason that we are not close to the position for the Euro League.

“Now we know we have to wait about the final but in the last few away games it was more difficult than before.”

Despite the away form of late, Koeman was adamant there were no regrets about anything that happened this season.

“We know what we did this season, in this season, was the maximum,” he insisted.

“It was that quality you saw today in some actions that is really top quality and we have to improve to do it better than we did this season.

“It will be difficult next season, the expectation will be higher, but we can be proud about this season of Southampton.”

Koeman knows there will be extra expectation and pressure next season after what has happened, but thinks the Saints fans understand the situation.

Daily Echo:

“It is very difficult (to get better) we know because you get always a reaction from the bigger teams and then, ok, but still we believe in our qualities and the philosophy the club wants to bring,” he reflected.

“We try to bring young players in and play good football.

“Ok, if it’s the seventh or the eighth or the ninth position, it’s not all about position in the table.

“We had a great season and we try to do it again for the next one.”

Daily Echo:

He continued: “The fans know how good it was this season and the fans know that next year it will be more difficult.

“It is always difficult to make a better one because we don’t know exactly now which team, which players, we will have and it is all about the squad you have in the start of the season.

“First we go for a holiday and then we prepare for next season.”