Intro:

Ahead of their match against Everton, Southampton manager Ronald Koeman admits it will be difficult for his side to finish in the top four this season.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (English) Ronald Koeman, Southampton manager:(on whether it's possible to qualify for the Champions League).

"Realistically, it's difficult, because we have the distance in points, it's all about if we win the next two-three games, then still we are fighting for that. But, I think it's more for the big teams. But, we try. We have the focus after the international break and we play eight finals and the season so far is fantastic, and if we reach European football, that means that the season is a special one for the club."

(on the trip to Everton).

"It's a tough test because I think Everton deserve a higher position in the table, because I like the way how they play football, I like the way how (Roberto) Martinez is doing his job, (and they have) good individual qualities in the squad. A difficult season for them, I think one of the reasons is because they played in the Europa League on Thursdays - the risk to have more players injured, you have to travel, the focus, it's more difficult after that great season that they had."