Southampton

Francis Benali: 'Ronald Koeman deserves time to build team'

By Callum Mulvihill, Reporter | 30 July 2014

Francis Benali believes that Ronald Koeman deserves the opportunity to bring in his own targets following the departures of key players.

Former Southampton defender Francis Benali has claimed that Ronald Koeman must be given time to build his team due to the difficult summer endured by the club.

Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren have all joined Liverpool, while Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers moved to Manchester United and Arsenal respectively, but Benali believes that the new Saints manager deserves the opportunity to get a new-look side playing the brand of football wanted by the supporters.

"Obviously some huge offers for players have come in but what is concerning for supporters is the number of players that are leaving the club," the 45-year-old, who made 389 appearances for the club, told Sky Sports News. "It's quite easy to be negative about the position, but I would like to take a more positive outlook.

"It's not ideal time-wise with the season rapidly approaching, but I would be more concerned if I was sat here once the season started and the club said they were not bringing in any new players. I think it is only fair that we give Koeman the chance to bring in new players."

Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle have moved to St Mary's Stadium this summer.