Outlook is not all gloom for Koeman
MIDDLESBROUGH EVERTON
RONALD KOEMAN is concerned at gathering storm clouds – but that does not refer to his side’s pursuit of the top six.
That aim suffered a blow as they were unable to turn their dominance into goals thanks to the heroics of Middlesbrough goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
After a windswept, rain-soaked afternoon on Teesside, the bedraggled Dutch manager was discussing the weather. In Dubai.
The Toffees head out today for a five-day training break to a part of the world where, at this time of year, temperatures usually top 25 degrees and rain is rarer than a regular Middlesbrough goalscorer.
“The weather forecast for Dubai predicts rain,” said Koeman. “I hope we don’t take the rain out of Middlesbrough to Dubai.”
Everton will still travel in good spirits after an eighth game without defeat.
But for stunning saves from Valdes to twice deny Ademola Lookman and another from Romelu Lukaku, they would have taken all three points back across the Pennines.
They will be given plenty of downtime in the UAE but Koeman said: “We’ll train every day and play a friendly on Friday. It’s about keeping our momentum and finishing the season strongly, not taking a holiday.”
Middlesbrough recently returned from their own midseason break to rather more modest Benidorm. They may have gone from Costa Blanca to drawing another blank, but the training camp clearly helped to recharge batteries in another workaholic display from Aitor Karanka’s men. Midfielder Adam Clayton said: “The whole club was a bit more together.”
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-1-4-1): Booked: