Everton manager Ronald Koeman insists that he is ‘not afraid’ of any potential backlash upon his Southampton return.
Koeman will return to St Mary’s for the first time since leaving for the Blues when they take on Claude Puel’s side this Sunday.
The Dutchman enjoyed two years with the Saints before moving north to take the Goodison Park hot seat.
During that time he led the club to two top 10 finishes in the Premier League which allowed them to qualify for this season’s Europa League campaign.
But his decision to leave for Everton this summer continues to anger supporters of the South Coast club.
Koeman is likely to receive a hostile reception this weekend but the Everton boss is hopeful that his achievements will be remembered more.
He said: “I cannot change the opinions and feelings of the Southampton fans. I hope they will respect me.
“We had a great time. After my career, I will look back and [say] I had a great time over there
“But of course I understand and respect different opinions and reactions. I’m not afraid of that.
“I made the choice to move and I’m really happy what I’m doing in Everton. We know it’s a big club with a big history. What happened in the past is the past.”