Ronald Koeman: 'Southampton ready for Europa League challenge'

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has said that his team are ready for the challenges of Europa League football.

The Saints host Vitesse Arnhem in tonight's third-round Europa League qualifier, the club's first European appearance since 2003.

"We know to reach the group stage we have to win two qualification rounds and it's all about what we did last season," Koeman told reporters.

"We are looking forward, it's for everybody; the fans, the club, the players. We are ready. It's still not the start of the Premier League but the boys are in a good shape, physical way, strong.

"We saw in Holland last week what we can expect of the opponent and we are ready for the challenge, because we see it as a challenge to play in Europe."

Southampton, who finished seventh in last season's Premier League, face Newcastle United on the opening day of the season.