Ronald Koeman has backed the Premier League’s decision to play the French national anthem before Saints host Stoke at St Mary’s tomorrow, but admitted to feeling that the events in Paris last week “changed life for everybody.”

The Saints boss was as shell shocked as everybody else by the horrific terrorist attacks on the French capital which left more than 100 people dead.

One of the attacks came at the Stade de France as the national team played a friendly game.

There will be heightened security around the Premier League this weekend, which Koeman believes is only right.

“Yes of course because what happened last Friday in Paris was unbelievable,” he reflected.

“I think it changed a lot, it changed life for everybody.

“It changed the feeling of living safe. Changed.

“We have to do everything to protect that.

“It’s not easy we know, but I think the Premier League will give the clubs something to do, and of course Southampton will be involved in that.”

The Premier League’s decision to order the French anthem to be played before kick-off has not been universally well received.

Koeman though was sympathetic.

“Maybe it happens at the weekend. I think it’s a good, important support,” he insisted.

“We have around 70 French players in the Premier League and it will be a good support to them.

“It happened in France but it can happen everywhere.”