Goodison should be a relief for Koeman

LONDON • Under-pressure Everton manager Ronald Koeman is seeking comfort in playing the next four games at home, following four consecutive defeats in all competitions.

The Toffees were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, and will hope for a better result against Sunderland in the League Cup today.

"Playing away at United is never easy, but we showed we could compete with them and that needs to give everybody a lot of confidence," said Koeman yesterday on the club's website (www.evertonfc.com).

"But it is up to the players. It is up to them to make the right decisions and not be afraid. After (going behind) 1-0 (at United), we showed a different phase… and that is the phase I like to see.

"We need to analyse the game, but it is important to take the positives from Sunday and prepare ourselves for Wednesday.

"We now play four times in a row at home in different competitions, we need (to get) a feeling for a win and that will give the best confidence to the players."

Midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson agreed that Everton showed signs of improvement despite the thrashing and they have the character to turn things around.

Sigurdsson, Everton's record signing who arrived in the close season along with a host of new recruits as the club spent £145 million (S$264 million), said the squad was gelling.

"Yes - it is hard to say that after a 4-0 loss, but we will stay positive and keep working," the Iceland international said.

"Even though we conceded four goals, I think we were more solid as a team. But we are going to have to improve for the next few games."

Everton, 18th in the league with four points from five games, host Sunderland today with the Black Cats also going through a tough period in the second-tier Championship.

They suffered three straight losses before drawing 1-1 to Hull last Saturday.

"It does not look good at the moment, but we are more than good enough to turn this around."

REUTERS

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 20, 2017, with the headline Goodison should be a relief for Koeman. Subscribe