Koeman set to see out Saints contract despite Everton talk

London (AFP) – Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has insisted he is determined to fulfil his contract after being linked with the vacancy at Premier League rivals Everton.

Roberto Martinez was sacked by the Merseysiders on Thursday and Dutch boss Koeman was immediately suggested as a candidate to replace the Spaniard.

But Koeman has a year left on his Southampton contract, having taken charge in August 2014, and on Friday he told reporters he was in no hurry to leave St Mary’s.

Asked if his future was at Southampton, Koeman replied: “Yes. I did not expect this question. After this morning, I was surprised.

“(I can tell you) nothing, because I am the manager of Southampton.

“Everybody knows I have one year left on my contract and we will sit together and analyse this season and we will talk about the future and that is what the news is today,” the former Netherlands international added.

While Everton are in mid-table, seventh-placed Southampton could yet qualify for the Europa League if they beat FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace on Sunday’s final day of the Premier League season and other results go their way. 

“What is good is that the club are happy with the work, together with the technical staff and the players, that we have done,” said Koeman.

“There is a very good understanding between the manager and the players and that is good because it is important to continue.

“So let’s do our job this weekend and there is time enough before I go on holiday to have a talk about the future of the club.

“Everything can happen very fast and that is no problem.”