Ronald Koeman speaks out after Everton sacking

Ronald Koeman has thanked everyone at Everton for their support despite his understandable disappointment at his sacking.

Koeman was sacked on Monday after Sunday’s 5-2 defeat at Arsenal left the Toffees in the relegation zone.

It was a disappointing end to a tenure that began with so much optimism last year, optimism further fuelled by last season’s seventh-place finish and considerable spending during the transfer window.

The Dutchman is a regular user of social media so it is no surprise that he took to Twitter to speak out for the first time since his 16-month reign at Goodison Park came to an end.

Koeman said:

“I’d like to place on record my thanks to the players and staff for all their work and commitment during my 16 months as Everton manager.

I would like to thank Bill Kenwright, Farhad Moshiri and the Everton board for the opportunity to have managed a great club, and to the fans as well for their passionate support of the club.

Naturally, I am disappointed at this moment, but I wish the team good luck in the future.”

Strangely enough, while he mentioned Kenwright and Moshiri by name, there was no mention of Director of Football Steve Walsh with whom Koeman was expected to be in a close relationship. Turns out the two didn’t quite get along and the strife likely affected the players too.

U23s boss David Unsworth has been placed in temporary charge of the first-team ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Chelsea.

Sean Dyche, Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti are among the names being linked as possible replacements for Koeman in the Goodison Park hotseat.