Ronald Koeman has insisted that Champions League qualification is an unrealistic goal for his Southampton side this season.
Dusan Tadic's 69th-minute penalty was enough as the Saints beat Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday to move four points adrift of fourth place.
Nevertheless, Koeman, whose side flirted with a top-four finish last term and ultimately finished seventh, does not believe that they can secure Champions League football.
"No, no, no. Top four? It's maybe too difficult. Qualifying for Europe means maybe seventh place -- like last season -- is possible, six, five, four," he is quoted as saying by ESPN.
"It's too early in the season to have an opinion on things about that. We like to enjoy football - that's one of the best qualities, how we like to play, and then you will win a lot of games, we know."
Koeman's side were eliminated in the Europa League playoffs this season.
Shane Callaghan
