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Koeman: Everton have to do better

Manager’s pre-match comments ahead of midweek fixture

Everton v Manchester United - Premier League
Ronald Koeman
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Everton simply have to do better. Manager Ronald Koeman fully took on the blame and responsibility for making the side better, and the players will also have to do their part in this.

The Dutchman was speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s clash against high-flying Arsenal at Goodison Park.

“We know our situation and it’s not all about what happened last Saturday [against Watford].

“There is no time to wait or to sit back because we know the fixtures. We know [on Tuesday] we have to improve and we have to do better than we did last Saturday.

“We have to prepare the team, put the best 11 on the pitch and get a good result.”

Koeman was disappointed with how his side were being outmuscled by opponents, and talked about adapting.

“We don’t have that physicality to win the battles, so we need to win the game in different aspects.

“That was why I was so disappointed on Saturday, because we started well and there was a lot of space to play but we didn’t always choose the best option.

“We need to stay focussed and continue to work behind closed doors because we need to resolve the problems. That’s all about the commitment of the players and the quality in the team.

“If I was a fan, I’d be disappointed about one win out of 10. That’s underperforming from everyone. But you have to understand these situations - it’s not about running more or fighting more. It’s also about the quality, the movement on the ball and creating chances. Underpinning everything, we need to keep the faith and maintain our belief.”