Ronald Koeman: 'I wouldn't quit Southampton for Barcelona'

Ronald Koeman has insisted that he would not leave Southampton before the end of his contract if he were offered the Barcelona manager's job.

The Dutchman has guided his side to seventh in the Premier League table so far this season, with qualification for the Europa League still a possibility.

The 52-year-old, who spent six years with the Catalan side during his playing career, told The Telegraph: "Real Madrid? No, no, never, you can trust me. Barcelona? OK then. What about Barcelona? You make it more difficult. I stay.

"I am still young for the manager role. It is good to stay and be manager of Southampton. It is the best competition in the world. The longest period of my time as a player was at Barcelona and it's normal that I have that feeling with them and they have that feeling with me, but there is no reason to be afraid about that.

"No, because I am the manager of Southampton, and I have the contract for two years more. I have to respect my contract, I like to respect my contract and I am very happy."

Koeman signed a three-year contract with the Saints to replace Mauricio Pochettino last summer.