Rooney can lead Everton to whole new level, says Koeman
EVERTON manager Ronald Koeman says their new signing Wayne Rooney has already made a huge impact on the squad and believes the England captain’s experience could lead the Merseyside club to new heights.
Rooney, who is the record scorer for the national team, returned to his first club after 13 years with Manchester United and was Koeman’s sixth signing in the current transfer window.
“He has a lot of experience,” Koeman told the club website.
“He is an important player on the pitch but also important for his teammates and certainly the young players to show them what you need to do to reach that high standard of football.
“That means he needs to be a leader off the pitch and if I see how he’s working and what he’s doing with all the players it’s really what we want.”
The Merseyside club have been one of the most active Premier League clubs in the transfer window, with their major signings including Rooney, Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen, Henry Onyekuru, Sandro Ramirez and Cuco Martina.
With Koeman hoping to sustain a challenge in both the Premier League and Europe during the upcoming season, the Dutchman believes they have added plenty of quality to the squad.
“I’m really happy with how the new players have settled in,” Koeman added.
“They have great futures at Everton and provide the quality we need to improve.”
Everton will begin their new season against Ruzomberok, of Slovakia, in the Europa League third qualifying round.
Koeman’s side will be at home in the first leg on Thursday with the return fixture scheduled on 3 August.
Arsenal centre back Laurent Koscielny has no desire to leave the Premier League club, the France international has said, despite reported interest from Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille.
The 31-year-old, who signed a new long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium in January, has been linked with a move to Marseille during the close season transfer window by the French media.
“When I first got here, I didn’t think about how long I would stay at this club – but now I am starting my eighth season so I am very happy with this,” Koscielny told the club website.
“I have a long contract with Arsenal and I have (no reason) to leave the club. I am just here to enjoy my job and give everything for the team, and get the best results for the club. If I can do all of that, then I am happy.”
Koscielny said he felt great loyalty towards manager Arsene Wenger, whom he called an inspirational figure.
Koscielny, who has made over 200 appearances for Arsenal, added: "Arsene Wenger is a big [inspiration] for me.
"He bought me from France, has given me everything to help me play for Arsenal, and has helped me as a man too.
“I have stayed here for seven years and I have learnt a lot from him, so I am happy to be here with him and to fight for him because he is a great person.”
FA Cup holders Arsenal meet Premier League champions Chelsea in the Community Shield match on 6 August before hosting Leicester City in their opening league game five days later. – Reuters