Southampton boss Ralph Hassenhuttl believes Newcastle United have what it takes to play Champions League next season. The Magpies are currently sat in fourth place, seven points off the summit and five points clear of the final European spot.
The Saints boss was full of praise for the Magpies who have made an impressive start to season and have the best defensive record in the division. Speaking to the press this afternoon Hassenhuttl said: "It'll be a very tough game against a strong side. Conceded ten goals in all the games so far, we've conceded 20, they've scored 24 and we've scored 11 or something like that.
"You see with clean sheets, you can achieve a lot. A very strong side."
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When asked whether he could see Newcastle in the top-four come the end of the season, the Saints boss added: "Absolutely, I think the target from them and they want to become a top-six club, that's the goal and they're on their way to do this because they have a strong squad."
"No, I've been looking at our chances and our level," when asked if he was somewhat envious of the funds available to Newcastle. "It's not the club want to compete with. A different potential with the money they can spend but they have different targets and you need to have the money to do this. "
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