We are still trailing top six, says Koeman

The enthusiasm of early summer has given way to anxiety at Everton. Despite a significant outlay, manager Ronald Koeman says his squad is not yet comparable to the top six.

And midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has warned it will take time for a new-look side to gel and justify on the pitch the anticipation levels off it.

A sense of excitement in July, when seven players were recruited for in excess of £100 million, has been compromised by the sale of Romelu Lukaku.

Koeman has already concluded Wayne Rooney’s days as a striker are over and he sees the returning Evertonian in a deeper role. His side face Stoke City today with the Dutch coach expecting greater things, but with a warning his rebuilding process is incomplete.

“I know the expectations are higher than last season, but I always look to be realistic,” said Koeman. “We can improve and spend money, but everyone can improve and is spending money. We are stronger than last season, but being stronger than last season does not mean you will win against the big six because they also will be more strong. It is difficult because if we had [Yannick] Bolasie, [Seamus] Coleman and [Ramiro] Funes Mori available, the situation is different.

“But still now we really have one striker, in my opinion. Sandro is a striker and Dominic Calvert-lewin is a striker of 21. He needs to improve. He has a lot of talent. But compare that to the big teams and what they have on the bench or in the stands and it is a big difference.”