---
title: "Patient Ramirez deserved his chance at Anfield says Koeman"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2015/10/26/patient-ramirez-deserved-chance-anfield-says-koeman/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "News"
published: "2015-10-26T18:14:36Z"
modified: "2015-10-26T18:14:36Z"
---

# Patient Ramirez deserved his chance at Anfield says Koeman

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has said that Gaston Ramirez [deserved](https://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/20151026-ronald-koeman-gaston-ramirez-liverpool-away-2765106.aspx) his return to the team on Sunday as he made an immediate impact to help his team to a 1-1 draw against Liverpool away from home.

Ramirez was a late substitute for Southampton as he returned to The Saints’ Premier League match-day squad for the first time since last August, and he certainly helped Southampton to secure a point at Anfield.

After James Ward-Prowse’s delivery into the 18-yard-box found Jose Fonte’s head, the Southampton captain nodded the ball to the left hand side of the goal, where Ramirez was on hand to cushion a header across goal to find Sadio Mane who scrambled in on the 86th minute.

![Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/2015/10/493044504.jpg)

Due to injuries to forwards Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez, Ronald Koeman felt that it was a good opportunity to bring Ramirez back into the squad for The Saints, and the Dutchman said:

“Gastón is working hard and he’s part of the team. He was not the first option in that position in front. He’s working hard and he’s trying to take his opportunity. With injuries to Shane and Jay he’s knocking on the door and then I give Gastón that opportunity.”

However, Koeman remains hopeful of Rodriguez and Long’s return to action ready for the next Premier League fixture against Bournemouth. “I have a good hope that they will be back for the weekend,” Koeman added.

“Next Wednesday is still too fast for them, but we need them. We need that competition.”

**Do you think Gaston Ramirez has earned his chance at Southampton?**