Ronald Koeman was left to rue another slow start from his team as Saints’ poor run of form continued with defeat at Leicester.

After last weekend’s performance at Sunderland there was much optimism around the Saints camp that they would bounce back to life at the King Power Stadium.

However, that was certainly not the case as they started poorly, quickly fell 2-0 down and never recovered against a Leicester side that then had a lead to defend.

Koeman admitted that he was disappointed and surprised by the start his side made to the game.

“Yes, you expect a reaction of the team after last week and again problems in the beginning of the game,” he said.

“We lacked some sharpness, strange after last week, and, ok, you see Leicester plays full of confidence, aggressive and two chances, two goals, and that makes it more difficult.

“That’s the reason why we lost. It’s all about sharpness to start the game.

“After the 2-0 we tried, we play, but we didn’t create a lot about all our ball possession.

“We did some changes in the second half, play a little bit different with three at the back, but they are defending well, good organisation, strong physically and a difficult afternoon.”

Koeman also confirmed he wanted to play Paulo Gazzaniga rather than Kelvin Davis so he could assess the need for a new goalkeeper in the summer, with Fraser Forster set to miss much of next season with his knee injury.

He did also confirm that Davis would return to make his 300th appearance for the club at Manchester City on the final day of the season.

“We spoke to Kelvin and we spoke to Paulo. It’s all about the situation we have for the next season about Fraser Forster,” said Koeman.

Daily Echo:

“He will be out for a long time. Still we know not until when.

“We have to make decisions about that.

“To make really the good decisions I like to see Paulo playing – not playing with the under-21s, not training every day with group, but playing two games, this and next week.

“Of course, I know that Kelvin is away with one game to play 300 games for Southampton and Kelvin will play the last one against Manchester City.

“Paulo will play next week again to make up our minds for next season and that’s the reason and nothing else.”