Koeman talks of Walsh's role in picking players

Saturday, 6 May, 2017 48comments  |  Jump to most recent

Talking to the Liverpool Echo, Ronald Koeman provides confirmation of the division of duties under Everton's new Director of Football model for picking out and recruiting new talent.

It means that Ronald Koeman is not the sole voice when it comes to team-building. The Everton boss insists he's happy with the situation because it is in the best interests of the club.

"Full control no, I can not control all the players I want!" he said of his role."

Koeman has restated that he will see out the remaining two years on his Goodison contract, and he will do that without having the ultimate say on signings, because he believes in a different model, which gives Director of Football Steve Walsh an important voice.

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"Okay, we speak about players who will make the team stronger, and it is already last week (I said) we need more players and more scoring players than we have at moment.

"But always the position of the manager is not most of the time it is not a long-term position, because most of the time football changes. What happened to Wenger, Ferguson is an exception in football.

"And that's what I like in the function of Steve Walsh in the club, because yes, he is for the long term and sometimes he is looking for young players who are not first team players.

"That is his function, my function is to win every weekend, but if I can help the club by giving chances to young players I will. But first of all what we need is a strong team for next season. Of course we need to have agreement but we know exactly what we like and what we need for the first team."

Quotes sourced from Liverpool Echo



Reader Comments (48)

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Brian Murray
1 Posted 06/05/2017 at 18:58:32
Calvert-Lewin was a disgrace, he will never make it. Well done, Bill. five years... Gueye is at Villa level... Baines went four years ago... Mirallas never good enough...

I can see Moshiri walking away from this.... if not, he will buy into bill's "plucky little Everton" mentality. Either way, we will never move on and up while idiots are running the club.

Clive Rogers
2 Posted 06/05/2017 at 20:34:30
I interpret that as meaning Walsh will continue to bring in bargain buys (hopefully) and younger players with potential, while Koeman will be allowed to sign players he sees as vital.

It's no secret he wants Van Dijk, Keane, Sigurdsson, plus he must have a striker in mind. The system can work well as long as they don't fall out!!

Paul A Smith
3 Posted 06/05/2017 at 21:45:24
These interviews are the reason I don't fall for the "Ronald knows best" cliche. He knows he isn't here for the long ride and he knows we can't sign Champions League quality.

I know his English is broken but to say "I can't control the players I would like to sign" is just the same boat as Martinez an Moyes were in, isn't it?

Brent Stephens
4 Posted 06/05/2017 at 22:18:13
Rambler.
Ross Edwards
5 Posted 06/05/2017 at 23:09:24
So Koeman pushes for the major signings he wants, and Walsh looks for the bargains essentially.
Kim Vivian
6 Posted 07/05/2017 at 00:27:12
Dream on, guys. Sigurdsson maybe... but Keane and Van Dijk – not a dog's.
Ian Jones
8 Posted 07/05/2017 at 10:19:40
Brian. A bit harsh on Calvert-Lewin. He's still young. Being played out of position. At one point, he was back defending in the left-back position having 'tracked' back...

I would like to see him playing in his natural position for a while before making hasty judgements.

Oscar Huglin
11 Posted 07/05/2017 at 10:50:06
Haha, my god some of the comments on here are absolutely ridiculous.

"Calvert-Lewin was a disgrace, he will never make it." What happened to giving youth a chance? He's played a handful of games out of position and you're ready to judge him?

Remember Bale playing left back for Spurs? What a shocker he was. How lucky that everyone realised he had no potential and sacked him off, huh! It's not like he actually had world class potential or anything...

Brian Murray
12 Posted 07/05/2017 at 13:56:07
Paul, post #11... okay, maybe a bit harsh on Calvert-Lewin but another Bale? Er... okay. If someone is daft enough to pay £100 mill for sulky-arse, then we get two Euro-level strikers in, albeit, if well known, we have no chance... over to you, Steve Walsh.

A goalie and two centre-halves, two full-backs, and forget all this loser talk. Get well and hurry up back, Seamus... He ain't the level we should be looking at, maybe Kenny, Walsh, Sambou will be?

Cull Mirallas, Baines, Robles, Gana, Schneiderlin, Valencia, Jagielka.... only keep Davies, Holgate, Kenny and whatever kids look the part.

Next time Calvert-Lewin is in papers, I hope it is with the match ball under his arm – not some sort he's stepping out with...

Brian Murray
13 Posted 07/05/2017 at 13:59:28
Oscar (#11), I just don't believe the mentality at the club is any different, as Moshiri is painfully about to find out... Well done, Bill 'n Bob, and Koeman.
Paul A Smith
14 Posted 07/05/2017 at 14:14:38
How do people define Koeman gets the players he wants and Walsh looks for Bargains by these comments? He blatantly says he can't control all the players he would like to sign. I know some fans think saying anything that sounds negative, even if its true, is worse than insulting family.

It's going to be hard for Koeman to get big names. Sigurdsson is a lot of letters. Is that a big name in football terms though?

It's going to be the same window as every window except we have to spend more than last year due to inflation. Then the FFP excuse will come flying in.

Don Alexander
15 Posted 07/05/2017 at 14:32:37
It's very easy to be depressed about this squad and manager but Mr Moshiri needs his bumps feeling if he imagined a new stadium and Champions League football would be achievable in three years with every single penny of his billion. He has to make a statement this summer, in word or, preferably, action.
John Charles
16 Posted 07/05/2017 at 14:56:48
Seems that Ronald is getting his excuses in early in case we have another window like last summer. What does he take responsibility for?
Ross Edwards
17 Posted 07/05/2017 at 15:49:51
This summer is massive for us, probably the most important in our recent history.

If Lukaku leaves, we're screwed. There's not many 20+ goal a season strikers out there that we can attract without Champions League football.

We need to make a statement, a bit like City did when they were taken over by signing Robinho. It demonstrated that they meant business and were ambitious. Moshiri needs to do the same.

As for Steve Walsh, it's a big window for him because if we do very little he'll take the fall for it. I'm still unconvinced by him.

Paul Holmes
18 Posted 07/05/2017 at 19:51:15
Koeman wanted to sign that waste of space Sissoko who went to Spurs, so maybe Walsh having more say is not a bad thing. Koeman wanted Bolasie, so Sissoko and Bolasie would have set us back £65 million! Ffs – does anybody know what they are doing at Everton?
James Flynn
19 Posted 07/05/2017 at 22:20:55
Picture of Walsh and Koeman scouting today in Spain: Link

Anyone have idea on who they might be looking at?

James Flynn
20 Posted 07/05/2017 at 22:25:20
Try again

Picture of Walsh and Koeman scouting today in Spain: Link

Anyone have idea on who they might be looking at?

James Flynn
21 Posted 07/05/2017 at 22:26:47
Damn. It's Malaga vs. Celta Vigo.
Sam Hoare
22 Posted 07/05/2017 at 22:33:36
People constantly calling for kids to play and then, when they do, you get a bunch of idiots writing them off before their career has even started!! Good lord can we try and show just a tiny bit more... what's it called – support!!

Fair enough if there's a seasoned pro who's been drinking the place out for months but a kid who's not started even a handful of games We want to try and make Everton a good place for bright young prospects to come and feel like they've got a shot but that's going to require a little patience.

Very few kids will hit the ground running and play consistently well, especially when they're being played out of position!!!

Paul English
23 Posted 07/05/2017 at 22:47:44
Jame (#20),

It's Sandro Ramirez of Malaga, he looks real quality. Koeman was pictured with his agent!

Chris Jones
24 Posted 07/05/2017 at 22:55:50
James (19-21); Sandro Ramirez of Malaga (allegedly). Koeman pictured afterwards with his agent.
Len Hawkins
26 Posted 08/05/2017 at 09:47:49
Christ, it's a good job some of these posters never saw the likes of Belfitt, Nulty, Lawson (the only goalkeeper I have ever seen with no shoulders his arms were joined to his neck). Alan Biley got by with having a Rod Stewart hair do.
Martin Nicholls
27 Posted 08/05/2017 at 10:07:08
Len (#26) – you've revived some of my worst nightmares! Great description of Lawson!
Paul Tran
28 Posted 08/05/2017 at 10:24:22
I'll never forgive Lawson for letting in the Chris Nicholl 35-yarder at Old Trafford in 1977. 9:00 when he kicked it, 9:05 when it went in. That side would have won trophies with a decent keeper. Especially that night.
Paul Tran
30 Posted 08/05/2017 at 10:32:25
Paul (#18), I can see why Koeman wanted Sissoko. Big strong box to box midfielder. Not the first midfielder to swagger down to Spurs and end up a bit-part player.

If I was involved in our transfer negotiations I'd point to the likes of Sissoko and Perez, who turned us down for 'bigger' teams and ended up hardly playing. I reckon both would have done well for us.

Regarding Bolasie, when I think of our lack of pace and directness going forward, particularly on the break, I rue his absence. He would have improved as the team got fitter and better organised.

John Otway
31 Posted 08/05/2017 at 11:10:20
Paul Tran. Thank you for that; agree entirely. Paul Holmes. Isn't 20/20 hindsight wonderful!
Brian Murray
32 Posted 08/05/2017 at 11:21:50
Paul Tran,

I was at all three games and the semi-final at Bolton in 1977. As Latchford said in his book, only a goalie stopped us winning the league, albeit a year after with Todd, King, Duncan, Pejic Thomas etc.

Len Hawkins (#26), I hardly missed a match in the 70s and lived through Rod Belfet and rest of the idiots we had, culminating in that twat on St George's Hall steps rubbing our nose in it after their first Euro win. We lost a whole generation of fans that decade, my type of family the exception. Six of us and dad and cousins all blue from Walton and North Liverpool mostly...

Happy days – not! Fuckin hated it, but was too young to just do one down south out the way, like my brothers.

Sorry, I needed that therapy, and to get it off my chest. I was named after Labby – oh for a dominant centre-half like that. Koulabily, Keane, Maguire? Please get it right, Dutch Schultz, ffs.

Adam Luszniak
33 Posted 08/05/2017 at 14:26:35
Brian Murray, no doubt there's work to be done on the squad but I'm glad you're not responsible for it. Get rid of Gana and Schneiderlin? Can't think of a single reason to do that.
Ste White
35 Posted 08/05/2017 at 21:55:27
I can't believe some of the comments... Gana has been one of our best players this season and Schneiderlin has slotted right into the team and looks an absolute gem of a midfielder.
David Israel
36 Posted 09/05/2017 at 02:46:47
Len (#26), Martin (#27), Paul (#28)

I certainly enjoyed your stroll down Memory Lane. That League Cup in '77 was incredibly lost. And David Lawson is best left out of any discussion of the old days, I agree.

Before that, and to add a few further names who didn't exactly set the Gwladys alight, I once went down to London for a match at QPR, in that great season of theirs – 1975-76, if memory serves me well. We had Steve Seargeant and Terry Darracott playing that day, I believe, as well as Jim Pearson.

To add a bit of quality, there was Bob Latchford, who had a stinker. Anyway, the great Dave Thomas completely destroyed us, with the help of the greyhound-gambling Stan Bowles, who could be very good (and he was exceptional that day). We lost 5-0... Billy Bingham was the manager.

James Stewart
37 Posted 09/05/2017 at 10:53:30
Sandro Ramirez is quality – I would take him all day long.
Jim Burns
38 Posted 09/05/2017 at 13:49:58
Brian @ 13 – don't insult Mr Moshiri's intelligence – he didn't make his money on the Lottery.
Stan Schofield
39 Posted 09/05/2017 at 13:55:26
The fact that we're in a financially stable position with Moshiri, means primarily that we don't need to sell our best players, unlike in the past three decades. I believe that is the main point, and that any 'big signings' will be made if and only if they're strictly necessary and achievable.

In this respect, in terms of new signings the onus may well be on identifying young blood, focusing on maximising our performance on the pitch whilst minimising the financial outlay on players. Which can work well when we don't need to sell our best players. I imagine that's the direction in which Moshiri is working, rather than trying to splash mega-millions on star signings. In which case, Walsh's role is vital.

I believe that's also why Koeman is here, because of his experience of getting a team to function well without being full of stars. As an aside, it's also possibly the same reason that Liverpool recruited Klopp.

So it wouldn't surprise me if the summer transfer window, and subsequent ones, showed more activity in recruiting younger talent, plus one or two more experienced hands to steady the ship further, despite all the inevitable media speculation about what bigger names we might sign.

Jim Harrison
40 Posted 09/05/2017 at 14:04:58
Brian Murray, you must be on a wind-up mate. Or drugs. Cull pretty much a whole team, then go out and buy a new one? Cos that's how it works. And singling out Gana and Morgan? Both have been key this season.
Brian Harrison
41 Posted 09/05/2017 at 14:20:10
Stan,

I would hope that we are looking at more than just being able to keep players now Moshiri is in charge. This window will be very interesting; looks like Lukaku will be gone and Barkley has had ample time to sign a new contract so he could well follow Lukaku.

So we will need to be in there as soon as the window opens, so not only will we probably have to replace both Lukaku and Barkley, but I think there will be others that will be shown the door.

I don't subscribe to the lets buy younger players, I much prefer to buy the best we can. Just for the fact that youngsters by and large are inconsistent and you cant expect them to come into a Premier League side and play 30-odd games. I know Tom Davies is special but he will need taking out and given a rest.

So my message to Walsh and Koeman and Moshiri is go and sign someone as a statement of intent. Someone who will get us fans excited. Koeman has done a reasonable job in his first season, but so did Martinez and we all know what happened after that first season.

Also we know we will be playing Thursdays and Sundays now we have qualified for the Europa league. So you need to increase the squad size so we can cope with the extra games. I would think if Barkley and Lukaku leave we will need 7 players who can go right into the first team, plus another 5 for squad numbers.

Stan Schofield
42 Posted 09/05/2017 at 14:32:14
Brian, yes, if Lukaku and Barkley leave then we'll need suitably experienced replacements. But that's easier said than done, especially in the case of Lukaku.

I'm not convinced that they will actually be sold, and it's possible that we keep Lukaku to his current contract, to see out the next couple of seasons and Koeman's contract. If that were the case, I think there would be more reliance on new young talent, bolstered with a couple of new experienced hands.

Chris Williams
43 Posted 09/05/2017 at 15:01:53
I think it's possible to look at the players who definitely won't be here next season to start with.

Kone, Niasse, McAleny (all strikers) McGeady, Deulofeu, Cleverley.(wide attackers, midfielder)

Then add in those players who will be missing for a long while:

Coleman, Bolasie (RB, wide attacker) Lennon possibly.

Then add in a bit of guesswork re certain positions:

Goalkeeper, Centre-half, attacking goal scoring midfielder, creative midfielder.

Without making assumptions about anybody leaving (Barkley, McCarthy, Lukaku, Mirallas) that leaves us with shortages up front, in defence, and especially in attacking midfield, and goal scoring midfield. None of which will surprise anyone on here.

So goalkeeper, right back, centre-half, striker, wide attacker, creative attacker, striker, looks like a minimum requirement. That's 7 players, not counting any youngsters.

Which is a bit of a long list, although we will be losing 6 with 2 missing long term. We might accrue £30 M in fees, which might pay for one of the incomers.

Factor in the Europa League demands, plus Kenny, Davies, Holgate, Calvert-Lewin, Lookman who are already featuring, and the demands being made of getting in amongst the top 4 and it isn't too fanciful a requirement. But it is a pretty long list.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the next few weeks.

Bill Gall
44 Posted 09/05/2017 at 15:38:49
If as is suspected, Lukaku leaves, we are not going to be able to go for a player to replace him, we will have to go for a couple of players who will be able to match or surpass the goals he has scored between them. Goal scoring apart from Lukaku has been our problem all season, and if it means selling Barkley to bring in a quality midfielder that can score 8-10 goals a season then sell him.

We need a keeper and I think either Stoke's or Southampton's keeper would be a safe choice but I don't believe either club will sell them,so it most probably will be Sunderland's keeper.

Although he may be expensive V-Dyke from Southampton should be the center half to go for, if not the boy from Milan. I do not think the boy from Burnley, Keane should be signed, as he has just had 1 good season and we have seen a number of players who show potential in a season and that is all they show.

We are not going to bring in 5-6 quality players so the ones we do bring in have to be able to adapt to Koeman's system rite away. We have to show our intentions and ambitions immediately, and although the window does not officially open until July 1st, there is no doubt that players agents will already be touting their clients around. Verbal agreements may not be as conclusive as signed written contracts, but it will show players at Everton and their supporters what their ambitions are.

This summer is a make or break season for Everton as it is no use qualifying for a European competition and not having a squad with a realistic chance of winning it and improving your league position.

Paul Holmes
45 Posted 09/05/2017 at 16:26:21
Lukaku wont be going unless teams meet Everton's asking price (near £100 million).He's still got two years left on his old contract so Everton will make him stay for one more season, if the bids don't match their valuation, and sell him for £50 million with one year left.

He can moan as much as he wants but, with new players coming in, he will eventually just get on with it. This is business and life.

Brian Furey
46 Posted 09/05/2017 at 16:45:23
A few points to note.

We have not yet qualified for the Europa group stages. We have to play 2 qualifying rounds of 2 legs in July and August which we should win but you never can be sure.

I'm glad to see so many people agree that Koeman, Walsh and Co have a huge task ahead of them this summer. With a squad that already needed a lot of players replacing, it was a big disappointment to lose Bolasie and Coleman, two of our better sources of goals and assists.

A lot of you are happy to come with large lists of players that should leave but remember that, should we get a good run in Europe we will need a larger squad, and so maybe we shouldn't be so quick to show players the door.

I expect Rom to finally leave and actually put in a transfer request but I hope we put in a buy-back clause as his big money move might not work out as well as he hopes for.

Mark Andersson
47 Posted 09/05/2017 at 16:51:59
Koeman at Southampton... Koeman at Everton... same thing. Our so-called best players will be sold and Koeman's job is to do exactly what he's done in his last job – and he will.

Stop watching the A cant be arsed side and watch the Under-23s... you know, the ones that have just won their league in style. You will get more for your money and go home happy...just saying, like.

More of the same during the summer and more of the same next season and more of the same reading this wonderful footie debate.p>

Eddie Dunn
48 Posted 09/05/2017 at 17:53:49
Brian Murray, ridiculous comment about Calvert-Lewin. The lad is being played on the wing. How about the lovely goal he took in his stride a few weeks back? If the club are willing to give him a new deal at £40 grand a week, they must be seeing something in him.

Gana has put in lots of energy and is perhaps a bit frazzled by now, especially after going to the AFCON.

Baines looks like he is struggling to hold the job down. He doesn't trust his pace to get back, so rarely crosses halfway. I think his lengthy problem with his ankle has hindered him for years.

It is time to look for a new left back, one with pace. Baines has been tremendous at times but it's a cut throat business, and there is no room for sentiment at this level.

Andy Meighan
49 Posted 09/05/2017 at 20:16:37
Jim (#40),

I don't know where you're getting off with "Schneiderlin has been key this season". Yes, he's had a few good games at home but away, largely like the rest of them, he's been anonymous.

In fact, since he signed, I don't actually think we've won an away game... I could be wrong. So I'm not getting too carried away with him yet.

And Gueye hasn't been the same player since the AFCON So it's a bit silly to say they've been key players when it's patently not true.

Clive Rogers
50 Posted 09/05/2017 at 22:04:23
Bill (#44),

I feel sure we will bring in at least 5 players. Possibly more if Lukaku and Barkley leave. We have a squad of 25 and I can see Kone, Mirallas, Valencia and McCarthy probably leaving. Coleman and Bolasie won't be available till next year and may take longer still to return to their top form.

Lennon, Besic and Barry are unlikely to figure much if at all. Baines, Williams and Jagielka are all beginning to struggle, while Pennington, Holgate, Calvert-Lewin, Dowel and Lookman have not yet nailed down a first team squad place. Neither of the goalies are likely to be first choice.

That leaves 6 established first team players of which Lukaku and Barkley are likely to leave, and while Koeman obviously doesn't fancy Funes Mori, which leaves just 3. We are in the Europa, so by my reckoning Koeman needs 15 players.

Can't wait for the morning paper July and August. Seriously, when you look through the squad, we need an awful lot for top four challenge and the Europa League.

Nigel Johnson
51 Posted 09/05/2017 at 23:58:32
Well, here we are again. I can't understand why Billy boy is pleading for Lukaku to stay – it's simple: just refuse to sell him! Get quality players in and he will settle down after a little moan.

Barkley is not needed – what is needed in his place is a midfielder who can score at least 10 goals next season.

If, however, Lukaku is sold, the amount Everton get for him is a bigger sign of intent than signing a Big Name player. If Everton accept £70 million, then expect Everton to be looking at 7th place again. To show intent for me means asking for at least £90 million and excepting nothing less.

It's time to show the Everton supporters that the club is serious about Champions League football... spend big, bring in big players, and show Everton are a club to be feared next season.

Dan Egerton
52 Posted 10/05/2017 at 06:17:28
@Brian, "Just for the fact that youngsters by and large are inconsistent"

Our youth team played consistently all year to win Premier League 2.

Dan Egerton
53 Posted 10/05/2017 at 06:17:56
And four of them are playing in the U20 England team in the Youth World Cup.
Pat Waine
54 Posted 11/05/2017 at 15:11:56
Barkley for me is a no-brainer. Sell him and get someone who is a playmaker and gets more than 4 goals a season and who can lead a team..

Lukaku looks gone in my books I would like if he stayed but sell an-d sell soon if we want a replacement.

The main thing I get from the article is that Koeman is just committed to a short journey at Everton. I think we need a long term manager that will see the project through.

Rebuild and get to new ground and get to Champions League. That's a few years away and we need a manager to see it through


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