Romeu: Southampton are on the verge of something ‘huge’

Oriol Romeu and Southampton have history in their sights and the midfielder sees no reason why the Saints cannot break new ground this season.

Claude Puel’s side – fresh from a goalless draw with high flyers Liverpool in the Premier League last weekend – return to the Europa League this week.

Victory at Sparta Prague would almost guarantee their progress through to the next round – the first time they have made the knockout stages.

And while Puel has rotated his squad this season between domestic and European responsibilities, Romeu is adamant his side are on the verge of achieving something ‘huge’.

“Once we’re out there we all do the same job and try to help each other. Whoever is playing, we have the same mentality and philosophy,” he said.

“We don’t put a limit on it. It’s a new competition for the club and we will give everything.

“We don’t think it’s a small competition. We want to make history for the club and hopefully we can achieve something huge.

“Every European match, we’ve had an amazing support from the fans and we felt this happiness that they have for us to play in this competition.”

Puel’s men face the Czech side – who top Group K – at the Generali Stadium and victory would ensure qualification, should Hapoel Be’er Sheva fail to win against Internazionale.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

“It will be a tough game but a nice game. We know that if we win we go through to the next stage. That’s what we all want,” added the former Barcelona and Chelsea man.

“We all know the English league is very tough and demands a lot from players. When you play in Europe, you try to rotate a bit more and adapt to what you’re doing.

“We are not in a harder position because we’re happy to play in the Europa League.”