EU JUST DON’T CARE ABOUT US
Ron furious that Split showdown is sandwiched between tough trips to Etihad and Stamford Bridge
RONALD KOEMAN claims Everton will give Europe their best shot – despite getting no help from the Premier League.
Koeman suspects Premier League bosses “don’t care enough” about English teams performing well in Europe.
He is unimpressed that tonight’s play-off second leg at Hajduk Split is sandwiched between last Monday’s trip to Manchester City and Sunday’s 1.30pm clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues boss echoed the complaints last season of Jose Mourinho, who moaned about Premier League fixtures, saying: “Maybe they don’t care enough about European football.
“I totally agreed with Jose about what happened to Manchester United last season. The same happened this week, but we know the television money decides a lot.
“It’s difficult to play on Thursday when we played last Monday. We couldn’t have played on Saturday but we could have played on Sunday. It’s the commercial side of football and that makes it more difficult.”
Despite Everton’s gruelling schedule, Koeman vowed to play a strong team tonight because Everton’s tradition in Europe means he has to take the competition seriously.
The Dutchman says he will not rest players in the Europa League even though he knows it could hurt their topfour chances.
“It’s difficult to compete with the strongest teams in the Premier League with or without European football,” said Koeman, who could hand Everton’s record £45million signing Gylfi Sigurdsson his full debut.
“We know European football makes it even tougher, but that’s what we like to have.
“It’s no reason to prepare differently for tomorrow. Given the history of this club, it’s important to be part of Europe.
“We have enough players. We have some injuries and that makes it tough but we will fight and do the maximum.
“We had a tough match last Monday but our line-up will be very strong. We have competition for places and can change players.
“The fitness level of the players is really good and it’s still only the beginning of the season. I believe in a group of players when they are doing well. That means I will not change a lot.”
Some Hajduk fans caused trouble at Goodison last week, chucking a seat and other objects at the Everton supporters.
But Koeman is undaunted by the hostile reception that will greet the Blues tonight, claiming players like to play in such charged atmospheres.
“We know about the fans of Hajduk,” said Dutch boss Koeman, who is without the injured Sandro and Davy Klaassen.
“They will support their team and try to intimidate us. They are not close to the pitch so it’s not a problem.
“You like to play in atmospheres like that.
“We have enough experienced players to deal with that kind of atmosphere.”