Thursday 11 September 2014 23:06, UK
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman thinks persuading France international midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin to stay at the club was their best bit of business during the transfer window.
The Saints sold several players over the summer and Schneiderlin initially vented his frustration when he was not allowed to follow the likes of Luke Shaw, Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana out of the exit door.
But the 24-year-old now seems to have reconciled himself to life with Southampton after the south coast side reportedly turned down a number of bids for his services.
"I hoped, and in the last three weeks I would say yes, him staying has been the best part (of the window) for us," said Koeman.
"He's a fantastic player and an important player for the team. That gives the rest of the lads confidence and ambition.
"It was not an easy one because he was disappointed in the beginning, but I think that was a normal reaction.
"But, after that, his behaviour has been professional and the one answer he gave was on the pitch, and that's always the best answer that you can give.
"It's important for us to keep that kind of player in the team.
"I spoke several times with Morgan, but finally the player by himself changed his mind, and that's the most important thing."
However, Koeman is not sure whether Southampton will again be able to hold on to Schneiderlin when the January transfer window opens.
"I don't know about that, we will just have to wait and see," he said.
"I'm not thinking about January at the moment, I'm just preparing our team for Saturday's Newcastle match.
"That's the most important thing at this moment."
