The Saints are looking to secure European football once again this season.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba in action with Southampton’s Jordy Clasie
Southampton midfielder Jordy Clasie has underlined the club’s commitment to securing another campaign in Europe, in an interview with saintsfc.co.uk.
After a slow start to life under new manager Claude Puel, the Saints have slowly gained a little momentum, and secured their third successive win after beating Crystal Palace 2-0 in the League Cup in midweek.
Netherlands international Clasie, who has started two of Southampton’s five Premier League matches
“West Ham is a very important game for us because in the first couple of games we weren’t good picking up two points from three or four games.” the 25-year-old told the club website.
Everton’s Arouna Kone in action with Southampton’s Jordy Clasie
“We want to be in Europe again. That’s our ambition, which I think you have to speak about and then you need points to do that.”
This season is Southampton’s first proper European campaign since 2003, and it is no surprise that they want to remain in continental football.
Since moving from Feyenoord last summer, Clasie has had moments of good form as well as spells out of the team, but he may be seizing a role in Puel’s side having started the last three domestic matches.
Southampton manager Claude Puel
The Dutchman may once again be part of a deeper midfield three when the Saints travel to the London Stadium, a trio who will likely be tasked with preventing West Ham star Dimitri Payet from having too much of the ball.
Clasie said he was looking forward to playing at the Olympic Stadium, having been impressed with what he’s seen of it so far.
“It’s a lovely stadium and I watched a game a couple of weeks ago on the television and the atmosphere is always good as it was at the old ground,” he added.
“But we go for three points again and that’s how it is every game.”
General view of the West Ham emblem on the side of the stadium before the match hammersos
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