Southampton boss Ronald Koeman admits their top four hopes are over after defeat at Stoke City.

The visitors took a deserved lead in the first half through Morgan Schneiderlin, but the Potters equalised through Mame Diouf following an error by Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis and Charlie Adam snatched all three points for the hosts six minutes from time.

"The distance to fourth place is five points. Maybe (on Sunday) it will be eight," the Dutchman said.

"We are fighting for a Europa League place - that's our Champions League. You have to see it like that." The Saints boss admitted it was always going to be hard to secure a top-four finish this term.

"It's very difficult to beat the big ones in Premier League because of the players they have and can buy," he said.

"Still, I think we are in a very good position. We know our level.

"We try to play good football. That's the quality of the team."