ronald koeman took over southampton last summer after mauricio pochettino left for tottenham .
koeman has praised his predecessor for the ` great job ' he did on the south coast , although had to cope with a mass exodus of players when he arrived .
the dutchman has actually managed to improve things southampton and the club find themselves just one point and one league place behind spurs now .
both sides have ambitions of qualifying for european competition next term .