Ronald Koeman has become a real household name in the South Coast ever since he took up the managerial role at Southampton in 2014. The Dutch tactician successfully guided the Saints to a 6th place finish despite the odds of them ending within a Europa League spot being excruciatingly slim.
Koeman has transformed Southampton into a top-7 side within the space of two years. It’s a massive achievement considering the club’s transfer layout within that period.
The Dutchman was able to replace the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Dejan Lovren along with many others who went out to seek relatively ‘greener pastures’ at other clubs following the Southampton’s early showings of success.
Ever since Koeman took over in 2014, he’s been able to steer them into the Europa League on two occasions. It’s worth mentioning that Southampton secured promotion to the Premier League only a few years ago.
It’s entirely fair to say that managerial success hardly goes unnoticed in the Premier League, considering the vast amount of clubs speculatively interested in acquiring Koeman’s services within the English top flight and beyond.
At the moment, Everton are keen on luring the Dutchman to Goodison Park with a £6m-per-season contract, more than double of Southampton’s recent £2.5m offer. Everton’s offer would make Koeman the fourth highest paid manager in the domestic top flight only behind Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, and Arsene Wenger.
There are a lot of incentives attached to a possible move to Merseyside for Koeman, but surely there’s still a lot more work to be done at Southampton. So, let’s take a look at three reasons why the Dutchman should remain at the South Coast.
Europa League football
Southampton have somehow found their way into next season’s Europa League, so it would only be logical for Koeman to have a go at the competition.
Judging by how well Southampton have fared in recent times, they may very well go on to have a shot at winning the Europa League title.
The prospect of more success
Southampton have illuminated the Premier League in recent seasons with their unbelievable performances against the top sides. The Saints themselves look set to become a top club.
Koeman has the option of continuing his great deal of success at the St Mary’s or moving on to Everton to try and get the Toffees back on track.
The Dutch tactician has become almost synonymous with Southampton ever since he joined the set-up in 2014. The rate at which the club has progressed under his guidance is quite phenomenal.
The possibility of failing at Everton
Moving to Everton has it’s own implications. If things don’t go well from the onset, the Dutchman himself could become another managerial casualty, and from then on all the hype surrounding his achievements with the Saints will eventually fade.
Koeman is better suited to Southampton. In a transitional phase such as the one they’re in right now, the Saints need Koeman to carry on with the string of fine results.
The English top flight is cruel and unforgiving when it comes to the rate at which managers get axed from different clubs.
Everton are so keen on having Koeman, but in a scenario where he fails to live up to expectations, the Everton hierarchy won’t waste any time in sacking him.
Southampton have the potential of becoming a top-four side, but it’s quite clear that they need Koeman at the helm of things to realise that potential.
