Koeman: I can take pressure
EVERTON boss Ronald Koeman has emphasised he can handle the pressure of increased expectation and is already relishing the challenges of next term.
What has been an encouraging first season under Koeman for the Toffees concludes with today’s Premier League trip to Arsenal.
Everton head into the contest guaranteed to finish seventh, a spot that gives them a place in the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
Koeman says planning for next season has already been ongoing for “two, three months”, with him having had “several” meetings with the board in which potential moves in the transfer market were discussed.
And the Dutchman added: “If we can do our business this summer, the team for next season will be really strong.
“Normally, if you have a stronger team, then the expectations will be higher than before. But that’s OK.
“That means more pressure for the players and, for sure, more pressure for the manager. But I know I can deal with the pressure, that’s no problem.”
Asked what Everton need to do to step things up given the way 2016-17 has gone, Koeman said: “We had a really strong home record, but I think we need to improve away, and we need to be more clinical, more productive.
“We know it is difficult – and playing in Europe next season will make it even more tough.
“But it is really a nice challenge for next season. We like to play in Europe. I think that is important for the club.”
Everton face an Arsenal side who are fifth and in serious danger of missing out on a Champions League berth and Koeman says playing in the Europa League rather than the Champions League is “not good enough” for Arsenal.
“If City and Liverpool do the job, Arsenal will finish in the Europa League, and that is not good enough for them – everybody knows that,” he said.
“You know these teams need to play Champions League. After a long time, maybe the people like to see a new face.”