Toffees need to show lofty ambitions
RONALD KOEMAN has taken flak for appearing to suggest that Romelu Lukaku might need to move on from Everton to fulfil his ambitions.
The Goodison manager clarified his words by explaining he meant Everton would have to improve their current position on the fringes of the top six if they are to convince the Belgian striker to stay.
But after just one win in seven League games, the Dutchman knows his team must pick up points quickly if he’s to offer real hope of top European football.
“We need to show players that there’s a big future in staying at Everton,” he says.
“We must try to win important titles. This is the start of a project and everybody will see what happens in two years. To get European football is the next step.
“You keep players if they see their own development and if they believe in the project.
“However, I understand ambition. Players always have ambitions to play at the highest level, in the Champions League if possible.
“But I am the coach of Everton and I’ll do everything to keep all the best players.
“If there is a big team in the Champions League knocking on the door, it will be difficult.
“We must make sure that the team is stronger in the future.
“But look at Tottenham. They are trying to be one of the big clubs in the Premier League and to be in the Champions League. It is not so easy but we try to do it.
“But the most important thing is now, not the future, and we need to win.”
Today Koeman returns to Southampton, the club he left in the summer for Merseyside.
The Saints’ model is to sell their best players and Koeman admits that was one factor in him leaving.
“You can see the difference between Everton and Southampton and that’s the reason I made my decision to come here,” he says.
“There are higher expectations at Everton but I always had high expectations in my career as a player.
“I don’t know what my reception will be but why should I have a bad sleep worrying?”