Capital One Cup: Ronald Koeman pleased with Sadio Mane's Southampton debut against Arsenal
Wednesday 24 September 2014 13:11, UK
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman was impressed with Sadio Mane’s debut performance for the team on Tuesday.
The Senegal international, who cost Southampton £10million to sign from Red Bull Salzburg in the summer transfer window, only recently got his work permit.
The 22-year-old striker started the Saints’ third-round League Cup tie against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in North London and was a key figure in their 2-1 win.
Koeman was pleased with how Mane played against Arsenal and highlighted the qualities he liked the most.
“It was very positive,” the Dutchman told the Daily Echo. “I think he showed his qualities and he’s very fast.
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“He’s a player who likes to play one-against-one. He likes to run in space behind the defence of the opponents and that’s a great quality.
“That’s one of the qualities we missed in front until now, and he brings that in, and that’s very positive.”
Koeman also had good words for defender Florin Gardos, who made his full debut for Southampton against Arsenal.
“I’m happy about him, because when he came he was injured,” said the 51-year-old. “It was a hamstring injury and we had to wait for his 100 per cent physical state and now he is and now he can show the qualities why we bring him to Southampton."
