---
title: "Koeman loving life in England"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2015/11/15/koeman-loving-life-england/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Emery"
section: "News"
published: "2015-11-15T18:44:33Z"
modified: "2015-11-15T18:44:33Z"
---

# Koeman loving life in England

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has [spoken](https://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/southampton-s-koeman-expects-middle-fingers-from-fans-gets-opposi) about his admiration for English football and its supporters, who are unlike any others across Europe.

Koeman has managed in a few different Countries; Holland, Spain and Portugal. Yet, he has said that English fans are very different in the fact that they are more respectful of opposition teams.

He has said that in other Countries you are more likely to get an unwelcome reception from away supporters when you arrive but in England you gain respect and admiration from all supporters, which is one of the reasons he loves managing Southampton.

![Alex Broadway/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/2015/11/495236664.jpg)

Southampton have thrived under Koeman’s stewardship despite losing some of their best players. A seventh place finish last season was a fantastic achievement for the club and they currently sit seventh in the league, with a cup quarter-final later this month at St.Mary’s as well.

Here is what he said about being in England and its fans:

> The Premier League has exceeded all expectations. Let’s start with respect: When you’re on the visiting team bus, the parking lot of the stadium… I think across Europe you see middle fingers, but in England you get applause.

> I also find it strange how people talk about Southampton. We are seen as a model club. In the ranking of salaries we stand I think fourth from bottom, but we still manage to put a good team on the pitch and that is positive for football. Last season we won at Arsenal and Manchester United, recently we beat Chelsea and grabbed a point at Anfield against Liverpool. Appreciation is nice and in England you get that in abundance.