Ronald Koeman in no rush to sign new Southampton contract

29 April 2016 02:53

Ronald Koeman insists he is in no rush to sign a new Southampton contract but remains adamant he will be at St Mary's next season.

Southampton boss Koeman has been linked with a move to Everton and also been touted as Arsenal's preferred long-term successor to Arsene Wenger.

Koeman's current St Mary's contract expires next summer, and the former Holland defender claims there is no need to discuss an extension now.

When asked if he will manage Southampton next season, Koeman replied: "Yes, of course. I have one year of my contract.

"I don't like to talk about individual clubs because I think everybody has ambition, and I have that also, but I signed a three-year contract with Southampton.

"The club spoke to me about the next five years in planning, we didn't speak about a contract, but it's still not the end of the season and we have plenty of time for that.

"Rumours are rumours and rumours will be always in football.

"What I don't like is to always go into that and talk about rumours because I don't know."

Koeman remained coy on whether he will entertain the idea of a contract extension at St Mary's, but was at pains to explain he never looked more than 12 months ahead in his three years at Feyenoord.

"If the club likes to talk they will come and I will see," said Koeman.

"I won't knock on their door.

"When I worked in Feyenoord I signed three times a one-year contract and we spoke in January.

"There's time enough. Why one year before? We can wait, no problem. We can wait."

Southampton could yet secure Europa League qualification for next season, but are likely to need three wins from their three remaining matches to realise that aim.

Saints host Manchester City on the south coast on Sunday, with Koeman offering positive noises about the long-term vision of the club's hierarchy.

"The club makes a five-year plan and of course I'm interested in how we see the plan and discuss about that plan and agree or not," said Koeman.

"I had that meeting with the board of the club and it was separate to my contract.

"The board of the club shows how they see the next five years in the club and it was good to see they still have ambition to grow and to make the next step.

"We always like to do better than last year, but it's difficult because everybody knows the Premier League.

"And there will be interest in some Southampton players and it's difficult to keep the team together for two or three years.

"The club, the team, the players are showing great belief and spirit to finish again this season in a high position in the table.

"We are still fighting for Europe and that's fantastic for the team."

Source: PA