Everton appointed Ronald Koeman after finally getting rid of Roberto Martinez who has repeatedly flattered to deceive in the clubs he has managed till now. Martinez’s teams are known for their free-flowing attractive style of play but he has been accused of being naïve when it comes to focusing on the defensive aspects of his game.
Koeman, who has been credited for the progress Southampton have achieved, despite regularly losing their star players to other teams has raised hopes at the Goodison Park where they expect him to resurrect their dwindling fortunes.
Ronald Koeman will inherit a talented squad who have not been playing to their full potential lately and will have been tasked with making Everton a club which fights for the Top 6 every year.
Three immediate challenges Koeman will face at Everton are:
RALLY THE FANS
The mood during the last few months at the club was appalling, to say the least. With the players appearing listless and the shocking inconsistency of the side week in week out. Everton fans were used to a stable and solid nature of their clubs standing under the long reign of David Moyes and though there were calls for more adventure, the importance of the current Sunderland manager’s tactics for a club like Everton are being appreciated now. Koeman will look to impart a semblance of stability and endear the fans to his playing style.
KEEP HOLD OF HIS STAR PLAYERS
It will be important for Koeman to keep hold of his star players who have looked increasingly disillusioned last season. Often under the tutelage of a new manager footballers re-ignite their form and this is something Ronald Koeman has to convey to the big-wigs so that they stick around and strive to make something special at the club.
The likes of Lukaku, Barkley, Stones are on the radar of several clubs and though it will be difficult to retain all of them, the gaffer will look to amalgamate his new signings along with them.
REINFORCE HIS AGEING DEFENCE AND MIDFIELD
Everton are on the verge of losing John Stones and this will leave them with Jagielka and Funes Mori as the only experienced centre-backs in the team. Jagielka is 33 years old and hasn’t been at his best for a while. With the inconsistent nature of Coleman at right-back and the recent injury setbacks of Baines making him look like a shadow of the player a couple of seasons back, urgent reinforcements are called for. In midfield, Gareth Barry is 35 years old, and despite his experience might not be able to perform throughout the season.
Though Koeman has reportedly been allotted a £100m transfer kitty, he will look to blend in academy graduates along with the big name signings which Everton are looking to make. Everton boast of one of the finest academies in England and the fans will be pumped to see their own lads make it to the first team. Koeman will be expected to challenge for the Top 6 and at the same time preserve the ethos of the club and the manner in which he manages to balance both the aspects will be his biggest challenge.
