Southampton boss Claude Puel has stressed the importance of securing European football next season after his side reached the EFL Cup final.
Saints won at Liverpool and will face Manchester United or Hull, with the winners entering the Europa League.
Puel faced criticism when his side drew with Hapoel Be'er Sheva to exit the Europa League group stage this season.
Puel said: "It's important to put this experience for next year in European games. It'll be important to qualify."
"It will be important for the squad to continue the work, to improve, and know the possibilities to play European games," the 55-year-old added.