Vitesse manager Peter Bosz has not given up on his side’s chances of Europa League progression, but admitted coming back from 3-0 down ‘usually is not possible.’

Saints were not at their absolute best against Vitesse at St Mary’s but did enough to secure a comfortable cushion for the second leg in Holland next Thursday.

Vitesse face a mammoth task if they are to turn things around, something which Bosz recognises.

He said: “It was difficult, 3-0 is too much.

“I believe it was unnecessary because of course they have more quality than we have and experience than we have.

“They were above us but look at the goals, how we conceded, it was unnecessary, especially just before half time the penalty and also the third goal. It was again a mistake of us but in a period of the game where I believe 2-1 was closer than 3-0 and we didn’t score and they finished it off.

“Quality or experience? I don’t know. 3-0 is too much.”

Speaking of a possible second leg turnaround he added: “It’s football, stranger things have happened.

“Usually it’s not possible but why not?

“I don’t believe Southampton was that strong today.

“I saw them in Holland and they played better.

“I don’t know if it’s something to do with our team but why not?

“I always like to look at my own team and I believe we have the quality to score and to win games and we must do everything we can to do it.”

Bosz admitted he was more disappointed with his team than anything else, including the officials who awarded Saints a crucial penalty seconds before half time.

“I was too far away to see exactly and I haven’t seen the clips yet but I was disappointed in the moment,” he confessed.

“A couple of seconds before half time they take the corner kick short, we know they do it sometimes, I can’t tell if it was a penalty.”