Koeman puts Europe at top of his agenda

RONALD KOEMAN still believes his Everton team can hit his target of qualifying for Europe this season.

The Goodison Park manager, above, reckons his improved side can break into the Premier League’s top six if they maintain recent form.

The midweek draw at Stoke did little to enhance their prospects of making up ground.

But emphatic wins over Manchester City and Southampton last month rekindled his confidence that Everton, who face Bournemouth at Goodison today, can challenge the elite.

“My personal target is to reach Europe next season,” said Koeman. “That is my ambition and we will see what will happen.

“Normally that is the top six positions in the table, but that is difficult. At the moment we are in a good run, and if we continue that run it is possible.”

Everton lie seventh, five points adrift of Manchester United in sixth. “I am now more confident about the team,” said Koeman, who has midfielder Idrissa Gueye available following his return from the African Nations Cup.

“You need time to get what we want and for the players to know what we want,” Koeman said.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has turned to England’s rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward to help haul his side out of current slump.

“Clive Woodward came in and had a talk with the players. It was a chat about various things,” said Howe.

“Clive is a fascinating character, won the World Cup with England and I thought a chance to bring him in and talk with the players was a good opportunity.

“It was another way of me seeking ways to get the very best out of every player we have.

“We are going through a difficult run of form. We have not been ourselves. My job is to figure out why and try and put it right.”

Howe added: “We are in a relegation battle until we reach the points where we are not. That is the best way to handle yourself in this league. We need to get 45 points as quickly as we can.” their