Ronald Koeman insists that Saints are not focussing on the Premier League’s top four despite closing to within four points of a Champions League place.

Much like this time last year, Koeman is having to field questions over whether his side could sneak into a Champions League slot, especially with Chelsea struggling.

Koeman though is playing things down, even after the 2-0 win over Bournemouth at St Mary’s which extended their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions and left them just four points off of the top four.

“We are not so busy with the position on the table,” said Koeman.

“We know that we can beat everyone, we know and we show that in the first half and it’s all about every time, every day, work hard, try to do it better, play out of your strengths what we know and fight for every minute and then the quality makes the difference.”

Koeman expects the likes of Chelsea to bounce back to form, and admits it will be hard for Saints to finish above them.

“My experience is maybe they are struggling maybe at the moment but they will not struggle until the end of the season and then normally they will come back because they have great managers, great players and maybe they will be a bit more lucky than so far.

“It’s difficult.

“It’s too early to make conclusions about that. 11 games, still 27 to play. It’s a long way but we know we can play good football and we can be competitive to big clubs in the Premier League. That we know.”

Saints will now have to do without Victor Wanyama for the trip to Sunderland after he was shown a second yellow card in the closing stages of the match at St Mary’s.

Koeman had no complaints about the dismissal.

“No,” he insisted. “You know if you have a yellow in the game and you take that risk to do that tackle you take the risk to get the second one.”

After getting a taste of a rare league meeting between Saints and Bournemouth, Koeman is hoping the Cherries stay up.

“I hope. I like the way they like to play,” said the Saints boss.

“They showed a great reaction in the second half that made it very difficult for us.

“I think the atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic.

“It’s a local derby and I hope for also next season.”