Koeman wary of complacency

Saints have endured a topsy-turvy time since their last dalliance with continental football in 2003, dropping down to League One and on the verge of liquidation before rising to last year secure their best ever Premier League finish.

That surprise seventh place brought with it qualification for the Europa League, which Koeman's men started with a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Graziano Pelle, Dusan Tadic and Shane Long.

Saints' first European win in nearly 34 years sets them up nicely for the return leg of the third round qualifier in Arnhem, where Koeman knows his players must guard against complacency.

"It's always difficult because it's always a risk," he said. "That's my job to prepare the team on a good way for next week.

"It's never over in football, but of course the final result is a very good one. In European football, to win the first game at home 3-0 is a great result.

"It is a very good feeling. I think we had a great atmosphere in the stadium, the fans were looking forward to the game tonight and maybe was one of the reasons we had a difficult start in the first 10-15 minutes.

"After that we controlled the game - good first goal, good moving, good passing, great finish of Pelle.

"The second, the penalty, made it easier for the second half.

"I wasn't happy about the second half because we defended and played too much not to lose a goal and we were lucky about the chances of Vitesse."

Fortunately for Koeman's men it did not cost them, meaning the only real negative was a knock to recent signing Jordy Clasie.

"Clasie did well," Koeman said of the debutant. "He had a good help of (Victor) Wanyama, who was outstanding and that makes it more easy for Clasie.

"Pity he had some hamstring problems and we have to wait to know what happened."

Clasie will be assessed on Friday and appears a doubt for the second leg in Arnhem - a match for which Koeman is not tempted to rest key men.

The game could also witness the long-awaited return of Jay Rodriguez after nigh on 16 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.

"It's possible because he's doing well, he's not really like before but that's normal because a long time out of competitive football," Koeman said.

"He needs time and he gets that time and Sunday he will start against Espanyol (in Sunday's friendly)."