Ronald Koeman admits Spaniard Juanmi may not be impressed with his refereeing skills – but hopes his tough approach will help the youngster improve.

The Saints boss officiates training games at Staplewood during the week, and says the attacker is having to come to terms with not getting all of the decisions go his way.

Juanmi, a summer signing from La Liga outfit Malaga, has made just one start in the Capital One Cup so far this season as he looks to adapt to the English game.

And with a second start perhaps in the offing against Aston Villa on Wednesday night, Koeman says the 22 year-old must learn more about the physical side in England.

“We sign Juanmi as a new player, but he’s a young player. He’s 22 and he needs time and we know it’s a big difference about the tempo in the Premier League,” Koeman told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s cup clash with Villa.

“I don’t say the Premier League is stronger than the Spanish competition, but it’s different in tempo and physically what you need. That needs time.

“We speak with Juanmi about that and sometimes I am the referee if we play a game on the pitch and I don’t whistle.

“I don’t whistle because sometimes he’s falling too easy. He needs to be stronger. That we are trying to develop,” continued Koeman.

“It’s true (he doesn’t like my refereeing), because we have enough physical strong players and to show what happens in the game you need to change that.”

Koeman also believes regular communication between himself and the player will help him to gain more of an understanding of what is expected of him. And the Saints boss is convinced the playmaker will be a success on the South Coast.

“If you don’t say anything it’s difficult for the player, but if you keep contact, keep communication about what he needs to improve to get a chance it helps," Koeman added.

“We are working hard with Juanmi to show him clips. Even last Sunday against Liverpool there was one action in the second half.

“It’s still depending on how the player is acting, how he is accepting that, but he’s a very good, positive guy.

“He didn’t understand English (at first) and it was difficult. You need time as a player and he gets that time, because finally he will be a very good player for Southampton.”