Ronald Koeman says Saints will prepare exactly the same way for Manchester City as they have done for their 12 Premier League games already this season.
With City, Arsenal and Manchester United to come for Saints in the space of eight days, many are saying Koeman’s side will come up against their first real test.
Although the Saints boss realises there will be more attention paid to Sunday’s game against City, he insists his players will prepare in the same manner they have done throughout the campaign so far.
Speaking to youtube.com/southamptonfc, Koeman said: “Of course, there’s always more attention to a game when you play against a big club in the Premier League. It is one of the 38 games that you play, but maybe it is a little bit easier to motivate the players than normally.
“We like to prepare our game in the same way, it doesn’t depend on the name of the opponent. We have our way of playing, we play at home, we like to play good football.
“We know we have to be patient, they will have the ball as well this Sunday and they have very good individual players. We need that attention to them kind of players and the team organisation will be the same as normal.
“Every weekend is a test for everybody, you like to win, you like to keep the good spirit in the team and that’s not an issue for myself. Everybody will watch what Southampton do against the big teams.
“Against Man City this Sunday it is one of the 38 and we have to prepare normally. We will do that and we look forward to a fantastic game and a good result.”
Sergio Aguero has been in inspired form for Manchester City so far this season, scoring 17 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions. While Koeman admits Aguero has produced the goods for Manuel Pellegrini’s side so far this season, he feels City have a number of matchwinners in their side.
He added: “They have great, world-class players. Aguero is making the difference in the last few weeks. That’s a quality for the big teams because they have players who will decide and win games by themselves, that’s the most dangerous point of City.
“I know City. They have to go on because they are not in the position to think more to the Champions League or the Premier League.
“They have the distance to Chelsea, if they would like to repeat the title they have to win, that’s the pressure on big clubs.”
On the injury front, Koeman says Steven Davis will take part in training with the rest of the group on Saturday, but may not make Sunday’s game.
“Steven will train with the rest of the players tomorrow [Saturday], but he is doubtful. We will have to take that decision if he is ready fro Sunday, if not, Wednesday,” he concluded.
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