KOEMAN KICKING

Everton manager holds crisis showdown with senior players after slump in form

RONALD KOEMAN ripped into his team in a clear-the-air summit over his fears they are not tough enough.

The Everton boss took the blame for another lame 3-0 defeat, this time in Atalanta just days after a similarly spineless display at home to Tottenham.

He immediately called a crisis showdown with his players and warned some of his big-money stars they must stand up or ship out.

Koeman said: “It’s time for experienced and key players to stand up. I’m worried about what I saw in Atalanta. It was a

wake-up call. It’s not OK. It was painful. I am worried about our aggression on the pitch and how we defend. A young talent of 18 or 19, OK, but it’s time for the experienced players to stand up.

“I see the difference with opponents – how difficult they make it for our strikers. And how many spaces we give, letting them turn, not following your man, not defending your man tight, not aggressive.

“That’s what I am worried about. And, of course, confidence.”

Koeman said he was not worried about his job after three straight defeats, because of the supportive nature of chairman Bill Kenwright (above) and his board, though: “If it is the board of Crystal Palace, maybe not.”

But he is worried by the lack of leadership shown by his senior players and insisted they show their passion and pride at Manchester United tomorrow.

He added: “We need personalities who talk and criticise to make the team better. And to show everybody we will fight for a better period. And we need that on Sunday.”