Manchester City's League Cup win is likely to ensure another Europa League qualification spot opens up in the Premier League, which the Southampton boss says is good news
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman says Manchester City's Capital One Cup win was good news for every club fighting for European qualification.
Should City manage to qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the top four, which remains a big possibility, an additional Europa League berth that would have gone to them as League Cup winners will instead be allocated on the basis of league performance.
And therefore City's triumph over Liverpool was music to the ears of Koeman, whose side are currently seventh in the Premier League table and in the mix to secure a spot in the European qualification places.
Asked if City's win at Wembley on Sunday was good news for Southampton, the Dutch manager said: "Yes, because normally Man City will finish in the first three or four clubs in the league in my opinion.
"That of course makes it interesting [in the race] for fifth or sixth position in the table. It is interesting for the rest of the teams to get an opportunity to get into Europe."
Southampton, who lost to Chelsea last time out in a result that ended their six-game unbeaten streak, are away at south coast rivals Bournemouth on Tuesday but will likely have to cope without Shane Long.
The in-form forward has netted in his last two games but was forced off with an injury in the second half against the reigning champions.
"Shane Long was injured, but it is not a hamstring injury after the result of the scan and that is good news," said Koeman.
"But it will be difficult for him to be available because Saturday to Tuesday is very short. We still have training on Monday afternoon but he is doubtful.
"He is doing well, in good form and full of confidence. He is creating a lot of dangerous moments in our attack and scoring goals. You like to always have everybody available but injuries are part of football.
"We have a strong squad with good competition and if he can't start we will play another striker in his position."
- Goal