Seasons » 2015-16 » Everton News
Koeman excited to take next step with Everton


The Dutchman was unveiled as the Blues' boss on Tuesday morning and while the club have been releasing extracts of his first video interview since, today was the first time he would take questions from the press.
Koeman reiterated his excitement at being part of the changes that are underway at Everton and explained that he is keen to build on the club's past successes.
"To be involved in this great big project for the next couple of years is fantastic and a big feeling," the 53-year-old said. "Everybody knows the history of Everton. It's a big history and it's nice to be part of that, to win and play European Cup football and win titles. Everyone is ready to take the next step and I'm one of them.
"Every manager has his own style, I like the fans to enjoy it but I also like to win the game. I'm not a coach or a manager to wait. I play to win the game, it's the style I like, it's the spirit we like to have in the team. That's the way how I want to manage Everton."
As expected, Koeman will be joined at Everton by his brother Erwin, who will take up the Assistant Manager role he enjoyed with Ronald at Southampton, and fitness coach, Jan Kluitenberg.
Duncan Ferguson, a first-team coach under Roberto Martinez, will continue in that role at Finch Farm under Koeman and David Unsworth will remain as "the link between the Under-21s and the first team". Goalkeeping coach David Watson will remain at Southampton so a new goalkeeping coach is one of the new manager's priorities.
“It's always important to have a good technical staff,” Koeman said. “My brother will join us in the staff like he did at Southampton, and the physical coach Jan Kluitenberg will join us.
“We have Duncan Ferguson like an assistant in the technical staff and David Unsworth is the man between the first-team and the Under-21s.
“One position in the staff is still not done, which is the goalkeeper coach. In two days I hope we will have also occupied that position.”
Chairman Bill Kenwright admitted that while the decision to relieve Roberto Martinez of his duties last month was a "sad" one, he was happy to have landed a top choice in the minds of the board and a popular figure among supporters.
"[Ronald] made his impression before we met him," Kenwright said. "When we said goodbye to Roberto — a sad day — he was the first name of mine and Farhad's lips. He's very much the choice of the board, and from what I gather, a big choice of Evertonians.
"I've told him I've seldom felt so much unison in the fanbase. He says all the right things, I'm impressed! He has our total support and we're really behind him, we are really grateful to join Everton."
"It is nice to hear the fans wanted me," Koeman said in response. "It makes the first days that bit more comfortable. It is like a family here."
- Boss plans talks with staff and players
- St Mary's exit hastened by contract impasse
- Ronald Koeman: ''I had to leave Southampton''
Reader Comments (88)
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3 Posted 17/06/2016 at 07:18:49
In a new goalkeeper, right back, a midfielder we can call decent (not the garbage we currently have) and two strikers that can score 12+ goals a season which will be the lazy Belgian carthorse's total but for half the lay-out.
4 Posted 17/06/2016 at 07:19:13
6 Posted 17/06/2016 at 07:44:16
Responses? Keep them tantalisingly brief.
7 Posted 17/06/2016 at 07:44:33
8 Posted 17/06/2016 at 08:44:49
9 Posted 17/06/2016 at 09:13:53
Must admit to looking forward to this - I even read the gossip columns this morning on the BBC Website just in case!
I think Duncan is there to replace Sammy Lee had he come with the other three.
10 Posted 17/06/2016 at 09:32:28
12 Posted 17/06/2016 at 11:30:50
I'm made up with this appointment, of course, but there still remains a strange vibe around the way it all came about and wonder if that plays on his mind a bit.
13 Posted 17/06/2016 at 11:59:54
1) Don't have the lads passing sideways in their own half for mist of the game
2) Play players in their natural positions
3) Don't leave your subs too late
4) DO NOT use the words 'phenomenal' or 'incredible ever
5) If we're crap, don't say we're incredible
Go for it and enjoy the Blues!
Koeman you Blues.
14 Posted 17/06/2016 at 12:45:52
Duncan Ferguson is so hard, that when he slices an onion he makes it cry. ðŸ˜
15 Posted 17/06/2016 at 13:30:35
16 Posted 17/06/2016 at 13:52:15
That'll do for starters.
17 Posted 17/06/2016 at 13:55:24
18 Posted 17/06/2016 at 13:55:52
He said he will have to have meetings with the likes of Lukaku; Stones and Ross but he emphasised you don't look to sell your best players.
He also never said phenomenal or incredible! He will do for me! Welcome, RK!!!
19 Posted 17/06/2016 at 14:13:24
More tips for Ron:
1. Look both ways when crossing the road
2. Never eat yellow snow.
3. If BK says 'can you hold this for me son' refuse politely and leave.
20 Posted 17/06/2016 at 14:43:57
Good starter for 10, Big Ron Manager.
21 Posted 17/06/2016 at 14:49:43
Secondly, as I was told by my friend (who plays for Southampton), he comes across very relaxed and not the athoritarian than some on here suggested.
However, I was a little concerned at how little he seemed to know about us and how "surprised" he was at our 3-0 against Southampton. I also wasn't too fond of him basically saying he wanted to stay at Southampton but the "contract wasn't right" for him.
The above is my interpretation of what he said, I'd like to hear if others agree of think he meant something else.
Finally, I wasn't overwhelmed by his initial appointment but woaw what a breath of fresh and honest air that interview was. I really liked his approach and honesty. I'm feeling very optimistic about the new season now. It could take to October to get the team playing how he wants but I'm prepared to wait as I think he will improve us.
22 Posted 17/06/2016 at 15:02:37
I haven't seen the press conference yet but if the statement: 'basically saying he wanted to stay at Southampton but the "contract wasn't right" for him.' is him being honest and not saying "I've been a fan since was a lad" like some fools do is surely to his credit.
If the only reason he ever leaves here is because we cock up on his contract and nothing else is also in his favour.
23 Posted 17/06/2016 at 15:25:07
Worst of all I understood every point he made very clearly. This will never catch on.
All joking aside, low point of the conference was Bill K talking about what a sad day it was when we sacked Martinez and then said most of the fanbase was united in giving a thumbs up to the appointment of Koeman. How can he be right about tha bit and not know that 94% of us were dancing a fucking jig the day we shipped out that loser? To tell you the truth, Bill didn't look that happy. Maybe he has not had much of a say around his Everton train set and he was sulking?
24 Posted 17/06/2016 at 15:34:23
25 Posted 17/06/2016 at 16:03:42
26 Posted 17/06/2016 at 16:10:31
27 Posted 17/06/2016 at 16:10:37
By contrast never seen Bill so short of words. He looked like someone had pissed on his chips and had to ruin the moment by harping back to Martinez.
Either he is still quite ill or is upset about losing control of his trainset but I would have expected him to wax lyrical about putting EFC back on the map and looking forward to a really bright future.
28 Posted 17/06/2016 at 16:11:23
"To be involved in this great big project for the next couple of years is fantastic and a big feeling,"
29 Posted 17/06/2016 at 16:18:55
I'm not really very happy with Koeman's appointment. The whole thing just reeks of a mercenary manager who really wants to be at Arsenal or Barcelona pissing on Southampton due to money, and using us as a stopgap.
His press conference didn't reveal anything except that he doesn't seem to know anything about the club or the players, nor does he really know what he's doing yet. Give him a chance, you might say, but we knew three weeks ago he'd be the Everton manager - I'd expect him to have given a few things a bit of thought by now.
Undoubtedly someone's going to ask me what I expect of an incoming manager and tell me I'm being too harsh - and you'd be absolutely right. I just don't get the right "feel" from all of this.
I'm not saying Koeman won't bring us victories, great signings and a bit of profile - and all of those things would be very welcome indeed, but I suspect ten years from now Koeman's reign will be little more than a footnote in the decade's history. I hope I'm wrong.
30 Posted 17/06/2016 at 16:26:45
31 Posted 17/06/2016 at 16:33:41
32 Posted 17/06/2016 at 16:43:53
But hey, what's wrong with that? If we win games and collect the odd bauble as a consequence, he'll do for me!
33 Posted 17/06/2016 at 16:52:15
You're perfectly welcome to try and bring the mood down and you may have a point here and there, but after 10 years of being told we are taking a knife to a gunfight, being told our players are not as good as the players in other clubs (imagine how the players themselves felt hearing that constantly) and banging our heads on a self imposed glass ceiling....followed by a further two years of 'phenomenal' 11th place finishes, my mood would improve if Donald fucking Duck was our new manager.
34 Posted 17/06/2016 at 16:53:02
35 Posted 17/06/2016 at 16:57:13
36 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:05:36
However, if he works his arse off and brings us success then I can live with that. He can take us to the next level and then someone can take us further. Who knows...he may fall in love with the club.
Very pleased he didn't bullshit.
37 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:07:54
Of course he knows more of what he wants to do than he's letting on but if he spilt all the beans at the first press conference...
38 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:20:36
He played everything with a straight bat, even the uncomfortable questions about his former club. He answered honestly and candidly, and showed respect to the current squad by saying he'd not discuss transfers until he'd assessed the squad, and offered hope to the young players by saying he liked to give youth a chance. (Can't recall if that was in this press conf. or one of the clips on the official site)
In addition to the above, he mentioned the word 'win' multiple times as others have pointed out. This fella has a steely determination about him, and the fact he kept stressing that you need everyone to work as a team, and not just one man (ie. himself) in order to achieve success bodes very well.
Of course, he has to back it up with performances on the pitch - the fact he acknowledged its all about winning however, tells me he knows the score (pun intended) and unlike our former manager, doesn't have his head buried in the sand. He does however strike me as the type who won't be swayed by sentiment and will make the ruthless calls when required. Frankly, I'd much prefer that than the last bloke, who kept picking players hopelessly out of form.
As someone noted (I think Thorgan) his honesty was so refreshing! No waffle, no annoying hyperbole . . . just measured, succinct, straightforward answers. Well played sir, well played!!
Bill, on the other hand, was a numpty.
I have a feeling Bill is not happy that this was not handled "the Everton way" - but as much as it pains me money talks in modern football, and Moshiri has clearly let his do the talking with this appointment. Smile uncle Bill - Everton are back!!!
39 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:24:52
I think a realistic dream is to hope his love of the club develops as the club develops. Personally I am sick of the word 'history' and don't think we deserve love for that. I am 55 and our success in my lifetime has been patchy to say the least and rarely (part of late '60s and '80s the exceptions) has there been much to excite non-Blues.
So let's earn respect and loyalty and not just harp on, interlacing our moans with "history", "big club" etc. We are what we are for now.
But in my gut I feel soon we will be talking about recent history and shaken off a bitterness that does seem to run through the fanbase.
Good days, folks. COYB!
40 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:31:11
I reckon we need a mercenary with no affinity fo the club because he's completely detached and only here to make his way to Barca; but to do that, he's going to have to be successful; so that works for all of us.
41 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:31:23
What I do like is Ronald's talk of winning competitions and playing games to win them. That reminds me of Jose Mourinho setting teams up to win leagues, not play in the image of the manager. That is the sign of a winner...
42 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:32:01
43 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:38:54
I'm not sure anyone cares about your 'feeling', least not on here.
Perhaps you could enlighten us as to what you were expecting him to say in his first press conference having not had any time with the squad. Looking for a bit of spin perhaps? Don't think this is his style, refreshingly, after the last clown.
44 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:40:02
But also believe I was splitting hairs and to be honest non of the potential candidates (less any of the British ones..NO!) would have disappointed me.
So I'm pleased. Even though not my first choice, if the rumours and views of like minded people to myself have substance then to realise his broader ambitions then he has to win something right? That subsequently puts us back on the map and in a position to demand a high calibre replacement should that scenario play out.
So in that sense, win win situation.
45 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:43:49
46 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:44:50
As for the criticism of Bill Kenwright on this thread he can't do right in some people's eyes whatever he says. He's obviously learned not to be too 'gushing' after having his welcome for Martinez rammed down his throat for the last two years. I don't see that he said much wrong today.
47 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:47:01
48 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:49:11
Criticising our new manager based on his words in his first press conference, but who does have the evidence of an excellent track record (playing and managing) to support his credibility, seems churlish in my opinion.
49 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:52:35
50 Posted 17/06/2016 at 17:53:17
51 Posted 17/06/2016 at 18:13:04
52 Posted 17/06/2016 at 18:22:32
53 Posted 17/06/2016 at 18:25:51
Does Guardiola love Man City?
Does Mourinho love Man Utd?
Does Carlo Ancelotti love Bayern Munich?
All the above managers have decided those clubs are worthy of their talents.
I couldn't give a fuck what Koeman thinks about us and whether he knows our history. All I know is Ronald Koeman is our manager and I hope he brings us some success.
54 Posted 17/06/2016 at 18:28:54
55 Posted 17/06/2016 at 18:39:15
56 Posted 17/06/2016 at 18:43:33
I get the feeling that the players are going to have to actually do something praiseworthy, to earn any kudos.
58 Posted 17/06/2016 at 19:02:11
59 Posted 17/06/2016 at 19:07:16
"Working with a unique and scientific approach to organizations conditioning program, tailoring each program to the individual player in order to provide the maximum physical output and the prevention of injuries"
Expect to see some more stamina and kilometres covered on the field next season.
60 Posted 17/06/2016 at 19:27:30
Fingers crossed if we get to that point we can either persuade him to stay or other world class managers will be queuing up to take over the role. I support that kind of ambition.
61 Posted 17/06/2016 at 19:28:36
62 Posted 17/06/2016 at 19:39:04
We do have a good history but only in spurts. Looked like we would dominate with Kendal in the '80s but once we couldn't play in Europe most of the good players left.
It's more difficult now with the multi billionaire clubs who can use agents to turn the head of any player, but think with the right manager who has the right backing we can get in amongst the teams who are fighting for the top places and cups every season. Please be that man Mr Koeman.
COYB
63 Posted 17/06/2016 at 19:39:59
64 Posted 17/06/2016 at 19:45:00
65 Posted 17/06/2016 at 19:55:55
My German is broken and I use (and repeat) words I know and am comfortable with.
Disrespectful and a bit too personal in my humble opinion.
66 Posted 17/06/2016 at 20:02:44
67 Posted 17/06/2016 at 20:11:23
A devout Evertonian, a convert or even a passing admirer
Familiar with our history back to St Domingo's
Planning a 30 year dynasty to outdo Old Purple-Nose
Mr Kenwrights "pinup" of 2016
You do, however need to:
Win or draw derby matches (well, just win really)
Win our home matches
Grab some silverware, and any of the 3 domestic pots are fine as a kick off
Sort that Ronald lad and, I personally couldn't give a flying fart if pictures of you and Lulu emerge snorting Charlie off a transvestites nob.
I just want silver, and not "Long John Ah Harrrr!", just silver. Thank you.
68 Posted 17/06/2016 at 20:22:34
69 Posted 17/06/2016 at 20:32:14
We have at last got a quality guy as well as a quality manager, I have absolutely no doubts that he will do the business. He will have a lot of work to do on the training ground to change the mentality and style that RM instilled into these players. Should Stones stay I guarantee that under Koeman's guidance everybody will see why Guardiola wants him at City.
Welcome aboard, Ronald, I can't remember when a manager has got me this excited.
70 Posted 17/06/2016 at 20:50:03
Next step we need a team that means business and I think Moshiri will have said to Koeman "I've got the money if you've got the ideas"... We're also in with the best chance in decades of making waves in the top flight with the possibility of a new stadium worthy of leaving Goodison for.
So it's all looking rather rosy. I quite liked Koeman's interview, I think he wanted to get it out of the way asap (tricky questions about Southampton, players looking to leave etc.) so he can concentrate on what he's here for turning us into a winning, successful club.
While Moshiri deals with business off the pitch he will deal with it on the pitch and make no mistake, it will be "my way or the highway" where that's concerned. The findings of his initial audit are going to be very interesting...
All of a sudden then we seem to be in a great position if some exciting signings start to materialise we could be really onto something special. The dawn may finally be here....
71 Posted 17/06/2016 at 21:00:45
I'm all for it, because at least now we seem to have learnt not to just trust the words that come out of our manager's mouth. A healthy scepticism is good.
74 Posted 17/06/2016 at 21:27:14
75 Posted 17/06/2016 at 21:40:23
76 Posted 17/06/2016 at 21:52:24
Other point is that I am hoping he can achieve what Eddie Jones has for Englad Rugby - amazing man manager who has taken the same bunch of players (+ one Itoje!) and turned them into world beaters by simply being a smart no nonsense guy and appearing to have unquestionable confidence in his team.
80 Posted 17/06/2016 at 23:19:17
This really is a new, business like era.
NO MORE MR NICE CLUB!
Let's win some bloody silverware and make every sick of the sight of us!
81 Posted 17/06/2016 at 23:19:45
On a different note, I like the cut of Koeman's jib and the club's. I don't care he is on a big wedge if another club wants him, it's top dollar for them to buy him out of contract. I believe good days are nearly back with us.
82 Posted 17/06/2016 at 23:22:37
83 Posted 18/06/2016 at 00:58:39
Haven't seen the introduction, but reading from some how Bill didn't look cheerful. Nothing to do with Koeman.
Likely, Bill sat there having it fully sink in that all he is now is just a mouthpiece.
84 Posted 18/06/2016 at 03:06:47
Imagine in 3 years time, The Mighty Blues are there or there abouts, we've spent big over 3 consecutive seasons, got a very good squad full of genuine world class players to compliment and enhance our local talent, we're in Europe, won a trophy or two along the way and are just about to move into our brand spanking new Royal Blue Mersey Stadium on the Waterfront that is the envy of everyone in England.
Now, do we want to keep this Koeman fella or do we want to take a step up and get one of the very BEST managers out there to take us into the promised land.
Thanks Moyes, Martinez and Koeman, you did your jobs, we've moved on from the lot of you, now what's the quickest way to get to the San Siro.
85 Posted 18/06/2016 at 07:53:02
86 Posted 18/06/2016 at 09:02:04
87 Posted 18/06/2016 at 09:45:37
88 Posted 18/06/2016 at 10:03:36
The Kenwright sympathisers are hanging their hat on him getting Moshiri. However, we had years of failed promises, no investment, renting our training ground, outsourcing catering to Sodexo, hospitality in a tent in the car park, selling all our best player, lawn mowers worth millions and still no new ground!
He never was looking for a new owner - he merely wanted an investor (hence why nothing materialised when other clubs were being bought up). This was so he could keep hold of his train set. He finally found someone that would let him do that. Sorry to be blunt but the urgency now for a new owner appears to be Bill's apparent ill health so he can still walk away with millions and retain his say at the club for the time being.
I look forward to the time Moshiri gains full control of the club and hopefully brings with him Usmanov. Then we can start dreaming again. I hope now is the start!
91 Posted 18/06/2016 at 14:24:44
92 Posted 18/06/2016 at 15:40:48
I quite liked West Bromwhich Albion at that time so I was interested in the game, but the sight of the holy trinity, Big Joe, Westy, Labby and the rest stirred something inside me. We lost but I couldn't stop talking and thinking about Everton.
We cantered the League 1969-70 by 9 points and all was set fair for Everton to dominate the '70s but what happened is 15 years of ignomy whilst Liverpool swept away all before them.
Then something similar happened after our great team of the '80s — more trouble and strife and gloom and doom. All of a sudden, Everton were skint. From being the millionaires under Sir Johns Moores, successful and known and respected for our wonderful scientific football, we have become also rans in the grand scheme of things and most definitely absent when the prizes are being handed out.
Let's sincerely hope that this really is the dawn of a new era with Moshiri, Koeman and possibly Usmanov on board. Good lord it's overdue. NSNO
93 Posted 18/06/2016 at 15:51:05
BK was criticised repeatedly by posters who said he had no intention of ever selling. This view has obviously now been proved to be misguided. Unfortunately it's seems those who held it can't admit they got it wrong and now are hanging onto the frankly ridiculous notion that BK really had little to do, if anything, with this deal. Presumably because the reality of what's happened is just too much for them to acknowledge. Making judgments and pronouncements based on prejudice is never a good place to be as it leads to black and white thinking. In other words to make the world more understandable, people have to be labelled as either good or bad, BK sympathyisers or haters, etc.
BK has been rightly criticised in the past for some shocking mistakes, but that doesn't mean everything he ever does is bad. Any reasonable person without an axe to grind can see tha BK deserves credit for helping get Moshiri into our club, which will be a hugely transformational step for us. Even if BK did nothing else, the deal that brought Moshiri to our club was a master stroke and should be his legacy.
Dozens of other clubs are out their looking for new investors. We get one that is putting his own money in (not leveraged in other words), has direct experience of the EPL, is based in the UK, was prepared to sell a golden ticket at Arsenal that was guaranteed to appreciate and invest the proceeds in our club. Then add in another 𧴜 mill of his own money on players, a new stadium, ٤m a year on a new manager. All at a time when global assets values have plummeted and deals like this have simply dried up. When was the last time an EPL club had this sort and scale of investor? Certainly not the shite over the road, that's mainly leveraged money. I suspect you have to go back to Man City's deal before you get to a bigger deal.
So credit where credit is due, well done BK on this deal, if for nothing else.
94 Posted 18/06/2016 at 15:53:20
95 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:00:47
96 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:38:03
Arsenal have escaped relegation by winning their final game 4-3 and for the first time for many years Barcelona have failed to qualify for European competition by finishing sixth in the Spanish league. Both clubs have approached Mr Koeman and offered him their manager's position at 12M per annum.
What will he do?
Fantasy maybe but who knows what the future may hold?
As a friend of mine once said; My crystal ball may not be working but the other one is in tip top condition.
97 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:19:30
When you said "nothing else" I started to think what other things Kenwright has achieved, and realised there aren't any. Just a list of failures. He even cocked up the store on the car park.
98 Posted 18/06/2016 at 21:26:20
99 Posted 19/06/2016 at 09:39:37
I wouldn't want to work with a manager who expects me to draft or finalise my or my team's long term plan during a (or two) holiday(s) with my loved ones.
And by the way, even if RK had done exactly that, why must he tell everyone about his plan during a press conference? Such as, why would Apple tell the whole world how iPhone 7 would look like at the end of 2015?
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2 Posted 17/06/2016 at 06:26:10
Does that mean our Saturdays won't be the same? Does it mean our Saturday nights won't be the same? That the fever will return? Will I start to enjoy again Sunday lunchtimes in the pub, waffling about our results and style of our football?
For once in a long, long time I am looking forward to the new season and instead of dreading the fixtures against the so-called 'Big Boys', I am now saying to myself, "Bring it on!!"
I am even looking forward to other fans looking at us with jealousy and envy and the tupenny pundits taking large gulps of water to stop themselves from choking on our exploits.
When I was a kid my Mother used to say 'You have to eat the stale bread, before you get the fresh loaf!' Well, we as Evertonians have eaten enough stale bread and have stagnated.
COYB let's make 'em jealous!