RON WANTS TO BEROK & ROLL
Koeman hopeful of a great Europa campaign... if they beat minnows
BOHEMIAN rhapsodies were once the domain of Freddie Mercury – but Ronald Koeman was inspired enough by the quaint setting to talk up Everton’s chances of conquering Europe.
After his £100million trolley dash, and the promise of more big-money signings, Koeman’s first hurdle – before a ball has been kicked in the Premier League – is to make sure he doesn’t come a cropper in a 4,500-capacity potting shed in northern Slovakia.
If Everton preserve a onegoal advantage from the first leg in the tiny Stadion pod Cebratom here, Koeman can dream of taking the Europa League group stages by storm.
But if MFK Ruzomberok pull off a giant-killing on the biggest night in the town’s history, Big Ron will have to explain how owner Farhad Moshiri’s fortune – and £75m from the sale of Romelu Lukaku – barely took him past Calais.
If last week was all about Wayne Rooney’s homecoming in a blue shirt, this is all about the result.
And if Everton progress, as they should, Koeman believes he will be presiding over a squad equipped to challenge on four fronts – top four and domestic cups at home plus Europe – by the time the transfer window shuts.
He said: “We had a very good season last year to get into Europe and we didn’t do that just to play two Europa League games.
“We like to compete in every tournament, including Europe, and if we can do all the business we would like to do before the end of August, I expect to be managing a very strong team – but it is still too early for me to reach those conclusions.
“What is really important for us is to come here and go through to the next round.”
Rooney has carried a minor injury this week, but the former England captain has travelled and shared a joke in training yesterday with coach Duncan Ferguson (above).
Koeman said: “Wayne had some groin issues in the last few days, but he trained a normal session and he is fit to play here.
“Of course it was a great welcome back for Wayne last week but now it is really important, not only for Wayne but all the team, to be ready for tomorrow and to reach the group stages.”
Koeman has been giving serious consideration to playing three at the back tonight after Ruzomberok surprised Everton with their resilience and physical strength at Goodison Park.
That could mean a recall for club captain Phil Jagielka, who has celebrated 10 years of service by signing a 12month contract extension, keeping him at the club until June 2019.
Jagielka said: “It has been a fantastic time and hopefully we will create some more special memories in the next two years and I can look back on my time at Everton with a smile on my face.
“Realistically, winning a trophy is the aim this season – we want to be competing in four competitions and performing in every one.”
Koeman confirmed that England Under-21 keeper Jordan Pickford, his most expensive summer signing at £30m from Sunderland, will make his competitive debut for the Toffees.