Everton manager Ronald Koeman wants Southampton to win against Manchester United in the EFL Cup final on Sunday.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has told The Times that he does not want his former club Southampton to win against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
United will take on Premier League rivals Southampton in the final of the EFL Cup at the Wembley Stadium in London in a few hours’ time.
Koeman was in charge of the Saints for two years from 2014 until 2016 when he was appointed the Everton manager.
The Dutchman has stated that he does not want Southampton to win the EFL Cup final because he wants the Toffees to grab a European place.
If Everton do not finish in the top six of the Premier League this season, then the only way that they could feature in the 2017-18 Europa League campaign would be if United win against Southampton.
One of United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal – who are all in the top six – will also have to win the FA Cup for the Toffees to progress to the Europa League qualifying rounds.
Everton are seventh in the Premier League table at the moment with 44 points from 26 matches.
“It is true you need help from whichever team will win the League Cup or the FA Cup,” Koeman told The Times. “In that way we hope United will win at the weekend and one of the biggest clubs wins the FA Cup — because then it’s possible that seventh in the table can play a qualification round for the Europa League.
“Europe is a factor [in recruitment] because players like to be part of it. They like to be part of the Champions League. That is the best for players, but that will normally be impossible [this season].
“Europe is the next step for us and we would like to be part of it — even if it is the difficult Europa League on Thursday or a qualifying round early in the pre-season.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
