Skip to content

Ronald Koeman hits back at Jose Mourinho's claim that Everton should finish top four at least

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ronald Koeman felt that his Everton side played better than the scoreline suggested away to Manchester United on Sunday

Ronald Koeman has hit back at Jose Mourinho for claiming Everton should be fighting for a top-four place, given the money they have spent.

Writing in his programme notes before Sunday's Premier League clash at Old Trafford, Manchester United manager Mourinho said that Everton would "want to at least secure a top-four position this season" having spent £140m, a statement that seemed to rile Koeman.

Speaking after Everton's 4-0 defeat to United, Koeman reacted to Mourinho's words by saying: "Be realistic!

during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Manchester United and FC Basel at Old Trafford on September 12, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Image: In his programme notes, Mourinho said that Everton would 'want to at least secure a top-four position this season'

"I read the programme of United and my colleague and I talked about 'Everton spending £140m and they need to go for the top four'.

"Sorry. If anybody in this room or outside sees something realistic [there], in what is possible for Everton... please, come on. Be realistic.

"Let's talk at the end of the season. I am not happy how we have started the season, but let's be realistic about Everton. Let's start with everybody. Fans, press... we need time. But it is difficult in football."

Romelu Lukaku goal celeb, third goal, Manchester United v Everton, Premier League
Image: Romelu Lukaku scored in United's 4-0 victory over Everton on Sunday

Asked about his future at Everton after some bad results of late, the Dutchman said his side need time to adapt to the Premier League after a major overhaul in the summer.

Also See:

"Every manager in life has doubts, there is nobody who doesn't have doubts as a manager," he added. "And if you don't win, you know you have a big number of players in your squad, and you have doubts about what system to play.

"This is normal. Of course, I ask myself the question 'why?' Why? But OK. If [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan got one year to adapt to the Premier League, we have eight new players... maybe I also give them one season to adapt to the Premier League."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch highlights of Everton's 4-0 defeat away to Manchester United

Three of United's four goals on Sunday came late in the game, and the scoreline arguably flattered the hosts, with Koeman adding that he "wasn't so impressed" by Mourinho's side.

"Sometimes in life and in football, you get more than you deserve," he said. "I think today we got less than we deserved. But it is all about scoring and not making mistakes, like the second goal.

"I wasn't so impressed by United. Perhaps that's strange after a 4-0 defeat, and yes, they were really clinical - but we didn't deserve this bad defeat. But hey, that is football."

If you are using skysports.com you can comment below to get involved in the debate, but please adhere to our House Rules. If you wish to report any comment, simply click on the down arrow next to the offending comment and click 'Report'.

Around Sky