Ronald Koeman believes Bournemouth’s style of play can bring them Premier League success, but warned that mistakes prove very costly in the Premier League.

The Saints boss admitted to carefully following the progress of the Cherries since the sides met in a pre-season friendly not long after Koeman had taken charge at St Mary’s.

He was impressed that day by Eddie Howe’s side and their passing philosophy, and watched closely as they won a fantastic promotion to the top flight.

The Cherries have brought the same approach into their Premier League life, but have been on the end of some poor results of late.

However, Koeman insists they do not need to abandon their style, rather try and cut out the individual errors which have cost them dearly.

He said: “They were punished by mistakes against (Manchester) City because City really had that kind of players they will punish you if you make mistakes.

“Tottenham starts very well 1-0 after one minute, penalty 1-1, and then a bit unlucky before half time 1-3, 1-4 and then the game is over against teams like Tottenham.

“They play better than their results.

“We like to do the same and until now we are successful with our way of playing, but you need also physical and defending and you know if you do that kind of mistakes you don’t win because the Premier League is too strong, too good individual players and they will punish you for your mistakes.”

In his first pre-season at the club Koeman also took Saints to the likes of Brighton and Swindon, but it was the way Howe had his side playing that impressed Koeman so much.

“After that friendly in that pre-season and we play also Brighton and Swindon at that time, and the difference was between Bournemouth at that pre-season the way how they try to play,” recalled Koeman ahead of the first top flight meeting between the sides at St Mary’s this weekend.

“They play football from the back, good ball possession, and to win them to be a Premier League club on that philosophy was very positive, very good.

“After that friendly you follow that team in the Championship because it’s close to Southampton and it was a good feeling to have another team close to Southampton in the Premier League.

“There is not travelling, it is special to the fans and it’s good to have a derby and I hope not only for this season.”