Ronald Koeman: 'Champions League is out of reach for Southampton'

Ronald Koeman has said that qualification for the Champions League is out of reach for Southampton following their 2-1 Premier League loss to Stoke City.

Morgan Schneiderlin gave the Saints the lead, but second-half goals from Mame Biram Diouf and Charlie Adam secured the victory for Stoke this afternoon.

"The distance to fourth place is five points. Maybe [on Sunday] it will be eight," Koeman told Sky Sports News.

"We are fighting for a Europa League place - that's our Champions League. You have to see it like that.

"It's very difficult to beat the big ones in Premier League because of the players they have and can buy," the Dutchman added. "Still, I think we are in a very good position. We know our level. We try to play good football. That's the quality of the team."

Southampton last saw European competition in the 2004 UEFA Cup.