Sometimes an International break can upset a teams momentum, but that is not the case for Saints according to Ronald Koeman

When a team is flying a two week break for International matches is the last thing that they need, however this time Ronald Koeman does not have that view, he believes that on the contrary the break will give his players a refreshing change from the Premier League programme.

Of course he will be worried that there may be an injury picked up along the way, but to counter that the fact that Saints are not playing till the Monday when they visit Aston Villa will perhaps give Saints an advantage over their competitors.

All being well everyone will be back at Staplewood by the Friday and whereas some teams will be having to leave that day for long away trips meaning they have little time for preparation, Koeman will have the weekend to work with his players, not to mention the fact that those returning from International duty will have those extra couple of days to rest and recover, not only from the games they may have played but the travelling to and fro.

Speaking to the Daily Echo Koeman said.

“It’s a good time because we had a tough last few weeks but it’s tough again for us because another 16 or 17 players will be away for playing friendlies or qualification games and we hope we will have everybody back on Friday in two weeks to prepare the next one against Aston Villa away.”

The Dutchman knows that sometimes you need a little variety to keep things fresh so this International break is welcome rather than a hindrance, it takes the pressure off the players for a while with their concentration elsewhere and Koeman will hope that they come back ready to tackle a tough programme of games coming up.

Photo: Action Images

halftimeorange added 12:52 - Nov 11 I think the break has come at the right time. Saints haven't looked so sharp in their last few games, albeit that the defence has held firm. Playing in different arenas from each other might freshen them up. Worrying reports about Alderweireld being retained by his parent club. Let's hope Chelsea don't decide that Bertrand is too useful to let go.
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thegeneral added 12:57 - Nov 11 Sounds like a bit of kidology from Koeman to me, the momentum could be lost without the daily banter on the training ground and all the travelling involved for our players. Personally give me the premiership over a bunch of mickey mouse internationals, never thought i'd support my club more than my country but England bores me and Saints excite me, put Jack Cork, bertrand, JWP, FF, JRod (fit), Chambers and Clyne in the England team and i'd watch because we'd win something!

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