The former Dutch international, Ronald Koeman has taken over the reins at Southampton. The club confirmed the news earlier today.
We’re delighted to confirm that Ronald Koeman is our new First Team Manager. Welcome to #SaintsFC, @Koeman1963! pic.twitter.com/OL4yKV3SCj
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) June 16, 2014
Koeman takes over at St Mary’s succeeding Mauricio Pochettino who left to take over at Spurs. Koeman comes to England having managed in Holland, Spain and Portugal with clubs such as Ajax, Benfica, Valencia, PSV Eindhoven, AZ and Feyenoord.
As a player he is best known for his time at Barcelona and is responsible for this winning goal to secure the Catalans their very first European Cup victory at Wembley Stadium in 1992 against Sampdoria.
http://youtu.be/2Wchh9l9ziY
Commenting on Koeman’s appointment, Southampton executive director, Les Reed said: “From the moment we met with Ronald, it was clear he had the vision and ambition to take our club forward, that he shared our football philosophy and could see the opportunity to move our club to the next level.
“The club, the players and the fans will all be excited to have a man of Ronald’s experience at the very highest level joining our club.
“Ronald’s passion for the opportunity here at St Mary’s was very clear, and we look forward to continuing our growth with him as part of our team.”
Koeman said of his appointment: “I am thrilled to be the manager of Southampton Football Club.
“From my very first meeting with Les Reed, I could see clearly that this was the right club for me. We share the same philosophy of football, and the same belief in how to develop the club.
“Southampton have a talented first-team squad, a world-class academy and the infrastructure to sustain success in the Premier League.
“The opportunity to continue the development of this famous football club was simply too good to turn down. I cannot wait to get started.”
