Former Southampton player Kevin Keegan says that Saints face a massive test in Europe next season.
The former Southampton and Liverpool man hailed Ronald Koeman’s achievements in his debut season at St Mary’s, but he has questioned whether some of the players being able to cope with the extra games that the Europa League will bring.
He said: “If they could finish in the same position (7th) next year with the Europa League to deal with that would be some achievement.
“Inevitably, though, I think Saints will suffer for European football unless they really strengthen the squad and get it to the strength of some of the teams in the Champions League.”
Europa League has been viewed by many as a burden rather than a blessing – while at St. Mary’s former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino said he was ‘not keen’ on the competition – and for many the competition isn’t an attractive option because of the strain it puts on smaller squads.
Keegan went on to say: “It’s a massive test for Koeman and the Southampton board on where they build the squad now.
“It’s hard because the top quality players want to play Champions League football, so they’re going to clubs like Manchester United and Manchester City.
“You’re not going to get the top of the top, crème de la crème players coming.
“But if you’ve got to have a good scouting system, if they keep the senior players and keep bringing through the youngsters, then they’ll be okay.”
The mix of youth and experience from home and abroad has been one of Southampton’s greatest assets in recent seasons.
With players such as James Ward-Prowse, Harrison Reed and Matt Targett all proving themselves in the first-team during the last campaign, Saints will be hoping that they will provide invaluable depth to the squad.
European competition can only be a positive thing for the club but Saints will have to learn from the lessons of their Europa League predecessors Hull, Everton, Newcastle and Swansea who have all struggled to cope with the jam-packed fixture list.
