Following on from that, van der Kraan thinks Koeman is the man to sort Saints out. He says that he spoke to Koeman after he joined Saints (they have a close relationship as VDK is a Feyenoord fan and reporter), and that Ronald told him he was perfectly aware of numerous potential departures. He said that Les explained who would go, and who might then become unsettled, but Ronald still wanted Southampton. He was told by his own people that if he waited, West Ham and Newcastle would likely become available and reignite an interest in securing his services, but he wanted to go to Southampton because he liked the challenge that was presented, of rebuilding the side as the club goes through a restructuring process. He really wanted to lead this club - especially due to the notoriety of our academy both in the United Kingdom and in Europe. He said the next few weeks will see how Koeman's season will go, but Ronald and Erwin have nothing but respect for the club and they are 100% determined to make things work out at Saints, regardless of how difficult the situation may have become. He says it won't put Ronald out of his stride. He says they have a good network and are working on a number of deals. He is certain Tadić will step up and impress us, and thinks Pellè can too. He also said that he knows Ronald well enough to know that any tweeted photos of the training ground would not be humorous, because he has too much respect for his club and his employers to every bring a joke upon them. Said he can be sarcastic and amusing now and then, but he wouldn't do something like that on social media for laughs.
He's a bit better than De Ridder. He was very good against us, a certain now Arsenal player had loads of trouble with him. But I could never imagine Redmond playing for Pochettino, I think he lacks the required qualities. But under Koeman, as a winger in 4-3-3 system, with role to beat his marker and cross it to Pelle, I think he could do all right.
Sky Sports say that Southampton want Saphir Taïder and "at least" another five new players in the coming weeks.
And we'll bump two or three of the academy boys (Targett? Reed? McQueen?), up to the first team squad more regularly. As we do each summer.
I've brought this up a few times. Having a good game against us means a lot of Southampton fans will overrate him. His crossing is not good, but I'm pretty sure last season a lot of Norwich fans will have been saying the same thing about Redmond crossing to Van Wolfswinkel.
With your seemingly solid ITK connections..... is Rojo a total green light do you think? Seems to have picked up pace quite dramatically.
I've certainly heard that he's clear target, so do the press, seemingly. Do clubs pursue players who have zero interest? Normally I'd say no, but with everything else this summer... On a serious note, I think the PL might be hard for him to turn down. Estudiantes have just sold their LB to Sporting, too.
From what I've seen*, it shouldn't take all that much skill to put it on Pelle's head. *Which, admittedly, is hardly anything.
Cheers. Good signing really, kill 2 birds with 1 stone. An extra CB and a LB all in one, and then we'll also get Virgil/Vlaar too....so Jos may be struggling!
From someone like Rojo's point of view - might be seeing Southampton as a stepping stone to one of the top English clubs? Or Liverpool?
Forster Clyne Fonte Dikj Rojo Schniderlin Wanyama JWP Tadic Pelle Rodriguez Boruc Targett Yoshida Cork Davis Taider Ings. Very decent.
