Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has admitted Manchester City’s drop in form has given his team hope of mounting a challenge for the top four, but admitted that the Citizens have enough firepower in their ranks to shut the door on their rivals.
The Saints are currently occupying sixth spot in the table, five points adrift of fourth placed Manchester City as Koeman’s men tussle to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have endured a difficult run of form of late, having lost four of their last six Premier League outings – their recent loss to Manchester United has allowed Liverpool and Southampton to close the gap in the race for the top four.
And when asked if Manchester City’s blip gives his side hope, the Dutchman admitted that it does, but added that the reigning English champions have enough firepower to qualify for the Champions League.
“The door is always a little bit open but it’s difficult because even Man City are a little bit struggling in the last few weeks with their results”, he said at a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash against Stoke City.
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“I think they have now two home games and are good enough; [they] have enough qualities to reach first four teams in the league.
“It will be difficult but we will try and it is not important to look to the teams in front of us in the table because we have to win and if you win [and] other teams are struggling then you come closer and then maybe you have a good possibility.
“But now, at the moment, I think we have to focus on ourselves [and try] to finish 5th, 6th or 7th in the table.”
The 52-year-old added that if his side can win all of their remaining six games, they could be in the running, but it won’t be an easy task.
“If we win all then I think it’s a big chance to finish fourth in the league but to win all the last six games will be difficult.”
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