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Everton manager Ronald Koeman was distinctly unimpressed by the effort from the Toffees on the day during his post-match comments.
Koeman's Verdict| Ronald Koeman says Everton need to start games quicker after slipping to first Premier League defeat of the season at Bournemouth.
Posted by Everton Football Club on Saturday, September 24, 2016
"It wasn’t good enough. In the first half, Bournemouth were the better team. They had more aggression, won more second balls and put balls in the channels. They pressed well. It was difficult for us to find our play in the first half.
"I was not surprised by Bournemouth - I know they can be strong and we knew the way they play. It’s always about preparing yourself in football and they started much better than we did. That was disappointing after 45 minutes. In the second half we showed what we needed to do, there was a good reaction of the team and some chances, not necessarily big opportunities, but we were the dominant and more dangerous team. It’s a pity because you need to start like that as well.
"Until the end I had the feeling that we could score because they dropped back more and more. We took some risk to end the game with four strikers but we needed to change and do something."
He pulled off Gareth Barry in the second half, and explained his decision.
"He had a knock on his foot on Thursday. He did not train yesterday and was doubtful for today. I was very happy with what Tom Cleverley showed on Tuesday and he’s really the type of player that I wanted to bring into the game at that time."
Koeman went on to comment about the lack of teamwork he saw.
"We have players with good technical quality but they need to work more as a team.
"The difference between the two teams was the pressing of Bournemouth, especially in the first half. That's where we need to improve. If you start like this, it's very difficult to turn it. We tried in the second half and it was much better but football is over 90-95 minutes not 45."
On Everton’s apparent lack of effort when pressing.
"I knew already. It's strange after two months if you don't know the character of your players. I know what we need. We need more energy on the pitch. The energy was good in the second half but not in the first half.
"We know we will not win every game, it's the Premier League, we need to be prepared for everyone. In my opinion, Bournemouth are a good team, they will not fight against relegation.”