Koeman prepared should Lukaku leave

, 19 August, 79comments  |  Jump to most recent

Ronald Koeman has answered the question of what would happen should Romelu Lukaku leave Everton this month in the only way he can — by revealing he has a back-up plan in place – but his newspaper column back home suggests he won't have to worry.

Although the talk has died down recently, Lukaku has been the subject of consistent speculation surrounding his future at Everton and a possible return to Chelsea.

That is likely to grow again as the transfer deadline looms but Koeman, having been through a similar situation at Southampton where the club received offers they couldn't refuse for their best players, is pragmatic about matters either way.

“I have two plans — one is with Lukaku and one without him,” the Dutchman told the print media ahead of tomorrow's trip to West Bromwich Albion where the Belgian is expected to make his first appearance of the season. “We know there's a lot of interest in him.

"He's a good player and ultimately if a big team want to spend a lot of money, you can't really win. I had the same story in Southampton but that big bid was not on the table and here now there is no big bid on the table.

"I prepare myself for both yes and no and now we need to wait two more weeks. [If I don't have alternatives in mind] that's not good. I would be disappointed if Lukaku left late in the window but that's football. We know that happens. The problem is the transfer window, that's what we need to change.”

New Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has expressed some frustration of his own at the market with comments that throw doubt on his club's willingness to pay the £75m bandied about in the press as Everton's asking price for Lukaku.

“It's very difficult to enter the market with these prices and in this condition,” the Italian said.

While Koeman's own comments are being seen by some as a signal that Lukaku could indeed leave Goodison in the next 12 days, a report in The Mirror suggests that the striker intends to commit to Everton and sign a contract extension worth £100,000-a-week.

Indeed, Koeman's own words for De Telegraaf in the Netherlands, where he describes the lift to the squad that a player like Lukaku has said he will stay, indicate the player has told him as much.

In the meantime, he had said that he has no reason to doubt Lukaku's commitment and that, "he is trying to do the maximum to be fit for the team," but regardless of whether the 23-year-old leaves Goodison or not, the manager reiterated that he is still on the lookout for another forward.

“I think we can use one more in that position,” he said, while also admitting that he is short of cover at right back. Seamus Coleman faces another two weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury and while Koeman is happy to deploy any of Tom Davies, Tom Cleverley or James McCarthy in that area of the field as a fall-back, he prefers to have two players for every position.

Asked by the Liverpool Echo if he needed to reinforce the right fullback position before the deadline, Koeman said: “That is a possibility.”

 

Reader Comments (79)

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Peter Laing
1 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:02:19
£65 million bid and he's gone. I trust RK either way to manage the situation.
Sam Hoare
2 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:08:36
Wonder who the lined up replacement would be. Lacazette is the only one I can think of who would seem able to replace those goals (out of people we could plausibly get).

Still looking for another striker. Reckon we could have 4 more players in yet before window shuts...

Eric Holland
3 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:10:42
He would have gone by now if he was going. Still be here in January and scoring a hat-full of goals with his new ammunition from both wings.
Ernie Baywood
5 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:15:32
The deadline for registering Champions League players passed didn't it? I thought that's where he wanted to be?
Colin Glassar
6 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:16:59
I really hope he stays and considering we still haven't bought a forward to help him I shudder at the thought of trying to replace him with only a week or so to go.

If its true that BPB is still in charge of buying players then we really are in for a long autumn.

Kevin Rowlands
8 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:27:13
Please be true, this is my only comment on this thread.
Paul Smith
9 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:30:59
The Mirror on Twitter only minutes ago had him staying even in Chelsea bid.

£100 k a week mind if he does.

Colin Glassar
10 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:34:16
Sounds like Chelsea's big buy will be Koulibally this window. Rom stays, I hope (fingers and toes crossed).
Ray Robinson
11 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:41:24
He might have a plan now but what happens if Rom leaves on deadline day and the potential replacement has already been transferred? I'm trusting RK but I'd be a lot happier if we announced a backup or two sooner rather than later. Top clubs usually have three strikers.
Anthony Dwyer
12 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:51:05
I honestly can not see Rom getting a start at Chelsea ahead of Costa.

I really rate Rom, I hope to god he stays as we are a much better team with him.

One thing every blue should also consider before talking about selling Rom, is the fact we have already struggled to bring top quality players to the football club. We wouldn't stand a chance in hell of signing a player of Roms ability, so replacing him is simply a step back.

Jack Convery
14 Posted 19/08/2016 at 00:02:19
Thankfully we now have a manager who realises you need a plan b just in case. I hope he stays – goals mean prizes.
Stan Schofield
15 Posted 20/08/2016 at 00:30:03
I hope he stays. Even if he goes, it's unlikely this would happen without a 'suitable' replacement being in beforehand. He's under contract, and Everton decide if and when he goes prior to that contract expiring.
Kase Chow
17 Posted 20/08/2016 at 00:40:10
Whether Rom stays or goes, we need 3 goal scoring strikers.

The fact we only have 1 shows how hard it is to attract proper talent to our club.

Hence, keep the moany git and sell him the dream.

Mick Davies
18 Posted 20/08/2016 at 00:51:02
He has no choice if our manager wants to keep him; he's under contract and has no say in the decision whatsoever, so why even consider him leaving right on deadline day? There's something odd about all this, and strangely, Lukaku hasn't been mouthing off in the press either
Neil Sagar
19 Posted 20/08/2016 at 01:20:20
We need to keep Lukaku for this simple football reason. Good attackers make a difference, and the more you have, the more games you win. Shit players counter act this and this is what confuses people who don't understand football. Trust me.
James Hill
20 Posted 20/08/2016 at 01:46:01
I can't see it happening. With the big price tag comes a big salary. All this money for a third-place striker to sit on the bench.

If they had sold Costa... maybe.

Brian Porter
21 Posted 20/08/2016 at 05:42:42
Latest reports say Rom has committed to Everton and has 'bought in' to Koeman's ' revolution.
Brian Porter
22 Posted 20/08/2016 at 05:42:46
Latest reports say Rom has committed to Everton and has 'bought in' to Koeman's ' revolution.
Phil Sammon
24 Posted 20/08/2016 at 06:50:19
Those 'latest reports' are only the latest reports until the next latest reports.
Kim Vivian
25 Posted 20/08/2016 at 07:14:18
That news about Rom committing to Everton for another year at least is music.
Surely sends a loud and clear message about the MoshRon revolution. Great news.
Peter McHugh
26 Posted 20/08/2016 at 07:21:36
I trust you Neil
John Daley
27 Posted 20/08/2016 at 07:59:54
"Good attackers make a difference, and the more you have, the more games you win. Shit players counter act this and this is what confuses people who don't understand football. Trust me."

Trust you? When you clearly choose to post under a pseudonym rather than reveal your real name? I don't think so Keegan, you curly haired tossbag.

Mark Murphy
28 Posted 20/08/2016 at 08:24:14
Quite a few on here naming Hernandez as a target for a while now.
Where's that come from? Or is it just wishful thinking?
Mark Murphy
29 Posted 20/08/2016 at 08:26:53
"Good attackers make a difference, and the more you have, the more games you win. Shit players counter act this and this is what confuses people who don't understand football. Trust me."

Nah John, he's not the messiah
He's Sherlock as in "no shit, Sherlock"
😬

Les Martin
30 Posted 20/08/2016 at 08:38:15
I have thought all along that Lukaku will go, and I expect when we have a replacement the shuffle will happen.
No use keeping players who don't want to be there, if Lukaku publicly commits then thats a different matter
Jon Withey
31 Posted 20/08/2016 at 08:48:26
Keep him, get another forward and we'll be golden.

Lose him, fail to replace him AND get another forward in - that can only be a step backwards.

I think he'll stay and be paid more.

Thomas Surgenor
32 Posted 20/08/2016 at 08:58:50
With this staggered building project that we've embarked on; I think Lukaku will stay and be used as next seasons FFP cannon fodder. This would allow us to continue building the wage bill that the top players expect.
Colin Glassar
34 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:19:04
Fantastic news, Rom is staying.
Terence Tyler
35 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:32:36
Just in Koeman. "For the club and for this group it is totally awesome as 10 days before the transfer deadline Romelu Lukaku enters the manager's office and tells us that he doesn't want to leave but has decided to stay at Everton."
Scott Hamilton
36 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:36:00
Terence (35) Where has the report come from?
Aidy Dews
37 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:38:44
I prefer Koeman's take on things, IF he goes then we have a plan in place for that and he's not stupid enough to say that now, he's not for sale at any price cos at the end of the day if the right bid comes in then he will go, simple as!

I'm not Lukaku's biggest fan has an all round player but I admit he's a great goalscorer and for that reason we will keep on benefiting has a team from that but if he goes I'm sure we'll get the right man, men in to replace him.

But I just look at what Koeman did at Southampton last season and he got Southampton 3/4 points off of the top 4 with his main striker not even scoring 15 goals or more! They shared the goals around and got so close and if he can bring that to us with that bit extra quality than them, then who knows what we can achieve, with Lukaku or not?!...

Gordon Roberts
38 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:40:06
Great management techniques by Koeman. Sends the right message to Lukaku and the big egos in the squad - "sign up to the project or I will look elsewhere".
Terence Tyler
39 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:41:07
Scott. Rons regular article dutch press. you can find it via Everton newsnow website. Sorry I don't no how to do links
Paul Ellam
40 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:41:41
We MUST keep Lukaku whatever the cost!
If it means doubling his wage then so be it.
We also must bring in help for him, and quickly.
Scott Hamilton
41 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:47:40
Cheers TT
Paul Newton
42 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:48:12
Perhaps the fact that his mate Bolassie has come will help Rom decide to stay ...
Colin Glassar
43 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:48:41
Der Telegraaf, Scott. A very reputable Dutch paper. Ronald gave them an exclusive last night regarding Lukaku wanting to stay.
Ray Robinson
44 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:51:30
Paul #40, "We MUST keep Lukaku whatever the cost!". Believe me, I understand the fervent wish that you are expressing but we must never be put in a position where a player can hold the club to ransom.

My take on it is that I'd love Rom to stay (if he wants to) but if he wants away, he should be sold (at a time to suit the club).

Scott Hamilton
45 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:54:27
Thanks guys. Found this one:

Link

John Hammond
46 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:55:17
Interesting comments by Bolasie saying Rom convinced him to join. I think he'll stay 1 more season then as Thomas #32 says help us in our team building for next season.

We've not heard anything from his agent and old man for a while either. Maybe he told them to shut it.

Jason Thomas
47 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:56:12
You just have to admire Koeman's honest appraisals of every situation. Lukaku has supposedly now said he wants to stay, but even then, he's probably told him "that's great news and we really want you here... But if Chelsea come in with a stupid offer, you will go"
Gerry Quinn
48 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:04:40
There are even quotes from manager Ronald Koeman, given to Dutch daily De Telegraaf:

“For the club and for this group it is totally awesome as ten days before the transfer deadline Romelu Lukaku enters the manager’s office and tells us that he doesn’t want to leave but has decided to stay at Everton.”

Eddie Dunn
49 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:06:14
Lukaku can be annoying but we need him and he surely will find his mojo and start banging them in.
Good strikers seem thin on the ground, but we need more goals from the midfield too. When Lineker left the rest of the lads all chipped-in with goals, just as they had before he came.
Barkley, Del, and Kev all need to contribute, and I would like Coleman and Baines to shoot more often.
We still need another striker- even if Rom stays, as Kone only has link-up play in his locker, and seems to have forgotten what those onion bags are for.
Mike Manchester
50 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:09:38
Quotes from Koeman, in his newspaper column. Lukaku stays!!!!
Derek Knox
51 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:12:38
Good news if true that Rom is staying, but I would still get a couple of strikers in, just in case he spits his dummy out again, either January transfer window, or next International game.

Haller and Slimani would fit the bill nicely, besides we need a decent squad to go for Europe next year, and also to bolster in case of injuries, and loss of form etc.

Still fancy that playmaker Ziyech to join us too.

In Ron we trust.

COYB

Scott Hamilton
52 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:19:42
Football cliché number 1,257:

"It's like a new signing!"

Kim Vivian
53 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:20:08
This is the translation of Scott's link...

"Ronald Koeman has perhaps his most important battle beaten in the transfer market. Romelu Lukaku has told the manager of Everton he continues this season.

Lukaku was coveted by several top clubs, including Chelsea, but ignores interest. "For the club and for this group it is then totally awesome as ten days before the transfer deadline Romelu Lukaku then the trainer room enters and tells us that he does not leave but decided to stay at Everton," Koeman wrote Saturday in his column in De Telegraaf .

"Lukaku is the top scorer, the target man, and target man only 23 years. His stay on is just as valuable as a big transfer. He is not only a great player but also a fine human being. He will experience football as you want a football player experience it. It's nice to work with him and vice versa, I think he sees that we want to improve a lot on all sides. Both the team and to himself. develop him into a top player is a challenge for me, "said Koeman.

The Everton manager lost this transfer window does Johnstone, but strengthened already by Ashley Williams, Idrissa Gueye and Yannick Bolasie."

Not quite sure what the first part of that last para means tho'.

Tony Draper
54 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:23:33
Bolasie arrives, BIG smile, full of beans and thanks Romelu for persuading him.

Well, what do we glean from this and previous ?

Let's consider:
HQ Belgium, Mirallas has a word in Big Rom's ear. (Ta Kev).
Flattered Rom follows international team mate Kevin to "The Grand Old Lady".
Rom scores for fun in "The Royal Blue Jersey".
Everton fans exhibit approval with affection.
Everton board exhibit approval with a contract,
Flattered Romelu, knocks Cheque-ski out of the cup with a "Worldy".
Cheque-ski (under Jose el-Moanio) come re-sniffing.
Rom feels flattered with the club which rejected him.
When el-Moanio takes over at M602 J3, Rom gets a bit excited when his agent is dead busy. But, stablemate "Pogs" gets the job.

Never mind, 'Cos he's Rom' 's mate and he only lives up the road now ! Yay !
All the time, Rom is persuading his other pal, Yannick to join "The Mighty Blues".
Yannick joins.

Romelu gets told (openly) by "no nonsense Dutchman" Ronald Koeman "you're a very good player, but I have plans for Everton with you and plans for Everton without you".
Romelu, decides to stay. (Pogs, isnearby now. And Yannick and good old Kevster too !).

We learn that Romelu:
Likes to feel wanted.
Wants his pals close by.
Can influenced by his Dad.
Can be influenced by his Agent.
Can be influenced by his boss.
Can be influenced by the prospect of success.
Can be influenced by financial rewards.

Romelu wants to stay at Everton this season and maybe more.
Good decision lad.

Now, bang in a hat trick against your old club, WBA.
Then bang in a hat trick against the club that rejected you.
Then bang in a hat trick against the manager that rejected you.
Then bang in two hat tricks against "L'Excrement Rouge".

Because, my dearest Romelu, ALL of those things above which influence you, ALL of them influence ALL of US Evertonians exactly the same.

Do them.
Do them often.
Do them for ten seasons.
And we will forever sing songs about you.
And we will build a Romelu Lukaku statue (in bronze).
THAT, my dear Romelu, is how Everton displays worship for the adored.
Ronald Koeman is offering you THAT choice.

Gerry Quinn
55 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:25:13
Johnstone Windows, Kim, they do the finest in the world :)
Scott Hamilton
56 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:25:20
Right, I've got my gold trackie on. Time for a shmoke und a pancake to celebrate!
Tony Draper
57 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:35:04
Scott @56.
Erm, "gold trackie" ????????????

Really ?
Bit too "Jimmy Saville" that mate.

Scott Hamilton
58 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:39:36
Steve Bingham
59 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:39:41
This must be an extremely confusing time for our flappy arm walking ego striker as I don't think he might ever have come across a boss like R.K yet .. Someone who doesn't massage his inflated ego and tells it exactly how it is and oh yes " If you do leave it will be on our terms and it won't be the end of the earth as I already have plans in place as you are NOT irreplaceable !" So if Lukaku does buy into the managers ways and techniques and decides to work hard for the team as well as scores the goals then in a very short time he WILL be the top drawer striker that every fat cheque book CL club wants.
Steve Bingham
60 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:45:44
I do hope that somehow R.L gets to read Mr Drapers #54 post... Absolutely superb sir.
Brent Stephens
61 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:48:05
Tony #54 "L'Excrement Rouge".

Superb. Shows how kultured we are on TW. Laughing "mes petites testicules" off on the train. Hope nobody asks why.

"Testicules" male or female in French?

Paul Thompson
62 Posted 20/08/2016 at 11:11:13
Rom will score goals this season - always has, always will. Assuming h stays, how many will strongly determine our degree of success. Rom wasn't suited to the way that Martinez set the team up as he is poor at holding up play. A more counter-attacking style, moving the ball quicker and moe pace on the flanks hopefully will suit him. Still need another striker though and I'm looking forward to seeing wo that might be.
Tony Draper
63 Posted 20/08/2016 at 11:22:28
Brent @61.
I understand that "The Train" is "Le Train" in French.


Not entirely sure how large or small French women's "testicuiles" are, perhaps "Miss" Emily TV Howard (ex Crystal Palace, possibly Tim's cousin) may be of assistance ?

Alan J Thompson
64 Posted 20/08/2016 at 11:24:57
This would be the non-transfer request, then.
How does this work pay packet wise?
Simon Jones
65 Posted 20/08/2016 at 11:34:39
Have a look at what Paul Joyce has said on Twitter @pjoyceexpress
Simon Jones
66 Posted 20/08/2016 at 11:37:24
Tony #54 genius mate. love the new French name for the RS. I'm gonna use that one. Do I owe you a royalty?
Dave Williams
67 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:00:35
I am rapidly getting the impression that RK is an old style manager who players will not wish to cross. Everything he says is said with authority, no bullshit and smacks of a man who is firmly in control and won't let anyone or anything get in his way.

What a great change to hear that there is a plan B too - quality!

Mike Mulhall
68 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:05:07
Tellin ya, koeman is putting us back on the map. Loving it
Daniel A Johnson
69 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:06:22
Agree Dave (67)

He's the BOSS, he's in control if you don't like it you are out.

He commands respect and oozes authority, unlike the supply teacher vibe of Martinez who came across as being a soft touch.

Simon Bates
70 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:14:25
Terence and Scott, NSNO have just emailed the exact same qoute!!! So I assume it will be on their site?
John Austin
71 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:27:52
I'd be delighted if Lukaku stayed. But not the Lukaku who went through the motions in the second half of last season and treated us all with contempt. This needs to be the platform for him to perform like we know he can earn his reported pay rise, and repay the fans for their loyalty and support.
Tony Draper
72 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:28:00
Simon @66.
No copyright.
After all, who would want such ownershit ?

"The sound of laughter is it's own reward ".

Tony Draper
73 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:30:45
John @71.
"Big Rom" v "LuLu".
No contest.
Kim Vivian
74 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:43:43
And get on and get Hart.
Fucking Lawrenson trying to talk him into Mordor now.
Colin Glassar
75 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:49:30
Klopp seems to be having a Bromance with Mignolet right now, Kim. Watching the Stoke game I'm made up Arnautovic decided to stay, he's bloody rubbish.
Drew Shortis
77 Posted 20/08/2016 at 13:10:22
If we set up to play to his strengths then he will be virtually unstoppable. The quick counter-attacking game with four or five pacey direct players running at the opposition. We have the personnel in Bolasie, Barkley, Deulofeu, Mirallas & Lennon. Now we just need a midfielder with the passing range to set off these moves with a pinpoint pass.

Under Martinez he managed a lot of goals, but we were never really set up to play to his strengths. He's not really your back to goal target man leading the line in a possession based team that liked the patient build-up. He managed to score despite this. I feel like Koeman has come in and devised a system that will fit the players we have, rather than trying to make the players we have fit a system he would like.

Over time Koeman may well change the personnel to evolve into a different system of play, but for now he is being pragmatic. I have no doubts that we will bring in at least one striker who can play a more traditional target man role as we cannot rely on the same style of play in every match, especially when teams park the bus. I have a feeling that Romelu will stay this season and hopefully at the end of it we will be in a position where he won't want to leave (IE New stadium project underway, European football and a whole host of exciting new players).

Keith Harrison
78 Posted 20/08/2016 at 13:16:19
Everton rumour links, just copy and paste into your browser.

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/Football/Premier+League/Everton

Updates every few seconds, and is bloody addictive to be honest!

Keith Harrison
79 Posted 20/08/2016 at 13:19:59
And John and Mark, 27. Sagar isn't the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy!
Mark Daley
81 Posted 20/08/2016 at 14:24:50
Koeman is wrong to say "if a big team want to spend a lot of money, you can't really win". What he should have said is "you can't really lose".
Kunal Desai
84 Posted 20/08/2016 at 17:36:24
Koeman has confirmed he is staying for atleast one more season.
John Austin
85 Posted 20/08/2016 at 18:34:01
Tony @73. Fair point and I hope you're right. Still annoys me though that he can under perform so much and is reportedly in line for a bumper pay rise. Says everything that is wrong with the EPL in my view. But if RK can get him playing as we know he can, he'll be priceless and we'll be winning games. Win win!
Ged Simpson
86 Posted 20/08/2016 at 18:46:25
Good. Give RK a year to find a much better striker or keep him if he starts working hard and learning.
Tony Draper
89 Posted 21/08/2016 at 05:52:25
Keith @78.
Very interesting link, so thanks.

However, the following quote does provoke serious concerns regarding accuracy .

"The Toffees have money to spend following the sale of John Stones to Manchester City and have recently broken their club record transfer fee to land Yannick Bolasie from Everton."

Mark Murphy
90 Posted 21/08/2016 at 06:07:07
Kim Vivian
It means we sold John Stones
(Lost this transfer window does Johnstone)

I'm made up Rom is staying but still hope we get a back up in.
Rom is class who just needs a clog up the arse!

Tony Draper
91 Posted 21/08/2016 at 06:16:28
John @85.
Isn't it frustrating, irritating and occasionally infuriating ?

However, as fans we always want good, better, THE BEST !
Not for a few game changing minutes, an important match, a run of games, but for season upon season and ONLY whilst with Everton.

And yet, what makes football intriguingly, fascinatingly addictive is that it is played by humans. Humans with all their (all too common) frailties. It is not the excellence which we fans have in common with our heroes, it is our human frailties. We need to persuade ourselves (just occasionally) that to err, is human.

Right, that concludes my outburst of deep thinking coherence for this season, back to spouting my usual, opinionated erm

Small boys, in the park, isn't it ?

Jumpers for goalposts ?


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