Koeman talks up Lukaku's future... away from Everton

Wednesday, 9 November, 2016 327comments  |  Jump to most recent
Ronald Koeman says that Everton "should not be the end" for Romelu Lukaku and that if he continues developing he could one day play for Barcelona.

The Toffees' boss was speaking in typically honest fashion to Het Laatste Nieuws in Belgium where he explained how he felt the 23-year-old could go on to emulate his compatriot, Patrick Kluivert, and play for the Spanish giants.

"Everton should normally not be the end for him," Koeman said in comments that won't sit particularly well with many Blues fans, even if the manager was being honest about the striker's ambitions. "Romelu will not have made the most of his career if he plays for Everton for the remainder of his career.

"He has the potential to play for a bigger club than Everton, but nobody knows what will happen after this season. We have a good relationship.

"I gave him confidence and he has himself recognised that it was good for his development to play another year at Everton.

"I think his finishing is very good. He keeps his calm and is one of the best I have ever seen — both as a player and as a coach — when it comes to making that final decision in front of goal. His attacking movement is great. I think he can still contribute more defensively.

"I think he can emulate Patrick Kluivert, who also rose to prominence at a young age and enjoyed a fantastic career. He eventually played for Barcelona and I can see Lukaku doing the same."

 

Reader Comments (327)

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Peter Gorman
1 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:25:18
Pardon my French but what the fuck!?
Anthony Hughes
2 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:25:59
They're all having pop at us this week, first Keane and now our own manager!
Paul Jones
3 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:28:44
FFS!

Has Koeman taken over the role of Lukaku's dad?

Is he even aware of the sensibilities of the fans of our club?

Mick Davies
4 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:28:56
I'm sure this quote, coming on the back of a humiliating defeat, and his referral to Everton in the third person in his MotD post-match interview, will be controversial amongst Everton fans.
Karl Jones
5 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:29:21
Koeman should do one to Barcelona as well... He is not an Everton manager.
Jack Convery
6 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:29:56
If Koeman thinks Lukaku should leave EFC, he needs to take Roms' locker key and empty his locker whilst he's away with Belgium.

Unbelievable comment unless he wants money for January and is prepared to sacrifice our top and only goal scorer.

Osman and Hibbert were the first victims of the new non-sentimental EFC. Today the fans became victims too of this new way of running our club.

If this is Koeman's attitude we have a problem. If the players down tools again (as at Chelsea) against Swansea, then God help us going forwards.

Can you imagine HK saying Big Nev is too good for us and should move to Real Madrid ? Never, never, never.
Oscar Huglin
7 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:31:23
Um...
Anthony Hughes
8 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:31:24
Not too sure Ronnie boy has quite bought into the ethos of our club.
Brent Stephens
9 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:32:12
Well, that's a slap in the face for Everton fans who have criticised Lukaku for expressing a wish to play for a club who are in the Champions League! I think Koeman will take some flak over this.
Brent Stephens
10 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:33:09
Is this Koeman doing some advanced "unsettling" so he gets Lukaku at Barca?
James Hughes
11 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:33:18
With comments like that, you would have to say Koeman will feel the same about his own future.

Jay Woods
12 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:33:43
Totally unacceptable comments if he indeed made them as reported and I would dismiss him for it.
Anthony Hughes
14 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:35:37
Seems to suffer from "bit of a tool" syndrome does our Ronnie. Not the way to endear yourself to the fans...

Peter Gorman
15 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:36:40
If, 'If' this is true — Koeman out, Unsy in.
Kieran Kinsella
17 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:37:47
This club is a joke. Reminds me of when Villa manager Houllier celebrated their loss with the Liverpool fans. What a point we are at when we have to pay an unproven manager three times the going rate to give us "Hollywood" appeal according to our owner only for him to say the one half-decent player should join a better club.
Joe O'Brien
18 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:38:07
And I thought Trump winning the election was unbelievable...

Ronald – what the hell are you on about? You should be saying he can achieve EVERYTHING at our club.

Andrew Presly
19 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:38:10
What a bewildering thing for him to say at this point. I'm beginning to resent an increasing percentage of the people who represent this club and their making-up-the numbers attitude. It's impossible to accept.
Anthony Hughes
20 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:40:24
We'd better start winning some matches and putting in some good performances or I can see it turning a bit fruity for Ronald Koeman.

Any goodwill with the fans is being eroded with comments like this.

Tom Hadley
21 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:40:49
I have to agree with the comments on here, this is a completely unacceptable thing for an Everton manager to say about a current player – especially when that manager's current remit is to elevate us to the top level of the game. If we were in League 2 then you could understand it, but not when we're a Top 7 team in one of the world's biggest leagues.

I would support sacking Koeman for saying this.

Raymond Fox
23 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:42:14
Bloody hell, I'd sooner have my mate Martinez any day of the week.
Anthony Hughes
24 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:44:25
Reading into the comments, then does he mean Lukaku is going at the end of this season?

Hardly the way to go about building a team over a three-year project if you are talking your best player out of the club.

Brian Porter
25 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:47:31
I've not been this angry for years. Koeman is now saying Lukaku needs to leave Everton in order to fulfil his potential. Who the fuck is he working for? Is he our manager or what?

Right or wrong in his assessment, his job is to do all he can to keep our best players at the club, not talk of them leaving to improve themselves. Shows just how much Koeman rates us. If Martinez had said this, we'd have been screaming for his head.

I've seriously gone right off Koeman. He's not an Everton manager in my book, just a highly paid mercenary who doesn't give a shit about us.

Stephen Scofield
26 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:49:22
Nope. Here's me thinking Koeman was something different. I cannot remember another Everton manager saying such a ridiculous thing. Lost all respect for the man.
Liam Reilly
27 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:49:43
'Nothing but the best' translated to Dutch is clearly "Where's the road to Barcelona?"

It will be very difficult to bring quality players to Goodison if the Manager himself doesn't believe in the project.

Mark Riding
28 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:51:45
Koeman is just getting this out there before the player himself spouts off his usual shite when on international duty.

And having watched Lukaku's MotM performance on Saturday against Chelsea, I'm bracing myself for a massive bid from Barca in January.

Jim Potter
29 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:52:06
One can only hope that this has been misinterpreted or badly translated – because otherwise, our manager has zero belief in, or hope for, our club.

If this is true, I have just developed a really bad taste in my mouth over Mr Koeman.

Gun. Foot. Shot.

Anthony Hughes
30 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:52:55
Only at Everton. One day, our owner's coming out with all the positives about moving the club forward, and 24 hrs later, the manager comes out with this bollocks.
Daniel A Johnson
31 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:53:04
Looks like Koeman is already plotting his own exit strategy with this comment.

He shows zero respect for us with this comment. He sees us as a stepping stone so is probably okay with players doing the same.

David Pearl
32 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:54:14
He should concentrate on his own job because we have yet to put in 90 mins. Sick of seeing him having to make a sub before half-time. It's not him having the guts to make the call, it's about him correcting his own mistakes.

An Everton manager should be proud of his position... just like an Everton striker should be of the shirt. I wasn't keen on him at the beginning and I'm not keen on him now even more. Koeman Out! He should be sacked for disrespect.

£6M a year?? His job is to take his money, do his job... fire up the team. And his job should be to make us Champions again. What a prick.

Robert Elliott
33 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:54:37
What a good week it's been to be an Evertonian! Not even Moyes, who regularly liked to play down our chances in public for his own benefit, would've come out with something like this. Incredible!
Harry Wallace
34 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:56:50
Insult to our club.

And quit with the "Everton" – it's "we" or "us". Pathetic

Anthony Hughes
35 Posted 09/11/2016 at 17:57:43
For both their limitations, I think Moyes an Martinez did have some feeling for the club. Koeman appears to be very cold and remote from us.
Stephen Jones
36 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:01:42
What a slap in the face for all Evertonians.

I have not been easy with how Ron conducts his interviews – instead off saying "We did not play well," it's "Everton did not play well"? It's like he is on a TV panel as a guest. Unless he has forgotten, he is the manager of Everton Football Club which, Ronnie, is one of the oldest and greatest in the world ffs.

This bigging up Lukaku and saying he should move to a BIGGER club like Barcelona seems very disrespectful to Everton FC, all Blues, and the main man who has just bigged Ronnie up, Mr Moshiri.

Jesus, we have Roy Keane and the fat Spanish waiter putting the boot in and now our own manager does the same – so IMO, that's it for me, he can piss off to Barca asap.

James Doran
37 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:05:25
Mark @ 27:

''Koeman is just getting this out there before the player himself spouts off his usual shite when on international duty.''

As opposed to simply telling Lukaku to be very savvy in how he answers any questions about his future at club level?

Daniel A Johnson
38 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:05:36
Koeman is almost sociopathic towards "Everton".

How detached can a manager get?

Is it just me or is it becoming more and more evident that he just doesn't want to be here?

Patrick Murphy
39 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:07:18
I'm not as bothered with what Koeman says about Lukaku as we all know, or at least we think we do, that Rom will be off as soon as the right club comes in for him at the right price – but what effect does it have on the rest of the team? Obviously they must be 'bad' enough to play for Everton for the remainder of their careers.

I can't see any basis to say this is a "Lost in Translation" moment, or a slip of the tongue. What did Moshiri say "Ronald Koeman – he does what he wants"? Well he can do what he wants but he has to show some level of respect towards his employers and most of all us the fans – if he can't or is unable to do that, he should leave ASAP.

Saying this at any time would be ill-advised; saying it after a particularly heavy defeat where Koeman himself made some questionable decisions is unbelievable. I do hope that Rom scores a few before the transfer window opens, otherwise the Goodison gallery will once again become a toxic place for the manager and team to play in front of. I wonder what that great Evertonian Bill Kenwright thinks of the manager undermining his club?

I'll be so glad to see the back of 2016 – it's what Her Majesty might call an annus horribilis.

Kevin Turner
40 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:08:13
Koeman can go and do one if that's his attitude. The top brass should have him in ASAP and read the riot act and if he doesn't like it then jog on Ron. Some on here mightn't like it but I'd rather we'd got Rafa than someone with zero respect for the club and its history.
Kieran Kinsella
41 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:10:55
Anyone notice how the bloke linked with us before Koeman has taken Nice to top of League 1?
Anton Walsh
42 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:11:12
Another one bites the dust. Personally I'd like Lukaku gone soon as we get a decent offer. Too much hype for a decent goalscorer but not suited to the style of play we are hoping to achieve.

He is not as good for the team as Marcus Bent was. Won't work like Sharp did. It's no coincidence that no other players are scoring; he is always occupying that space. A great player in the right system.
Jon Withey
43 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:12:52
If true then I'd start looking at other managers . It's not like he is going to win us anything.
Oliver Molloy
44 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:13:12
Moshiri needs the money for the stadium!

Let's be honest, why would Lukaku stay with Everton if a Champions League club come chasing with the money? Our new shareholder has shown he could be just another Bill Kenwright in disguise – all talk no action – put your money where your mouth is, I say, or give over. The money we haven't spent is sure to impress our star striker, if I was him, I would be fecked off.

Either Koeman knows something we don't (like he won't sign a new contract) or he knows that the club want the money for this new stadium and are not prepared to take a chance for his contract to run under 2 years remaining.


Stephen High
46 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:14:28
In no other business would this be acceptable, devalues the brand however you cut it.

Moshiri will not be impressed by this, I would imagine. Sorry to say the RS have a manager who is bought into a project, no springboard mentality there.

Ian Brandes
47 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:14:47
He probably won't last more than a season here. He is not a stayer from his record. Another bad choice!
Mark Morrissey
48 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:19:14
I am clearly in the massive minority here but I simply see this as Koeman massaging Rom's ego and saying to him "Play well and you could even end up at Barcelona". It's nothing more than that.

Three things are certain though:

1. Rom will never play for Barcelona. Not good enough now and won't ever be.

2. At this time, Koeman is not good enough to manage Barcelona.

3. Unless Koeman does great things with us, he's fucked for getting anywhere else.

There is nowt in this story. It's all guff designed at get Romelu Lukaku thinking he's gonna get the big ticket out of here. It's a carrott.

Paul Hewitt
49 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:20:47
Koeman isn't an Everton supporter, he's just an employee of the club. Why should he have ANY affinity with Everton?
Mark Frere
50 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:20:49
Koeman is on mega money here and his job is take us to the next level. His message to Lukaku should be "You can achieve your ambitions at Everton because we are going to be a Champions League club... challenging for trophies etc."

For all of Martinez's overly positive waffle, he would never be of the mindset that a player is too good for us; we might as well throw the towel in if that's his way of thinking. Unforgivable.

I hope to god Koeman and Walsh frame themselves better next time in the transfer market as well. We dodged some major bullets with Sissoko, Kone and that average Italian striker we tried to sign from Napoli. Add to this £28 million for the erratic winger that is Bolasie, and it's safe to say Koeman's performance in player recruitment is nothing short of a shambles.

Gordon Roberts
51 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:25:20
Unbelievable reaction to our manager's comment. He is sending a message to the Board that, unless there is a major overhaul of the current playing staff, Rom will be gone.

Very clever, Ronald; far too clever for some on this site, unfortunately.

Anthony Hughes
52 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:25:34
Massage Lukaku's ego by all means but not by belittling our club.
Patrick Murphy
53 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:25:53
I can think of far better ways of massaging Rom's ego than this:–

"Romelu will not have made the most of his career if he plays for Everton for the remainder of his career."

That to me says that, no matter how much we all want it, Everton FC in the manager's opinion, will never be big enough to retain players of Rom's calibre!

Hardly going to sway other players of good ability to join the club is it?

James Doran
54 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:27:25
Gordon @ 50, If that is his rationale, why say it in public?
Chris Corn
55 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:28:12
Ill-advised words if correct, but a bit of balance please. Last week, he went on record saying Everton are bigger than Southampton which loads on here were at pains to point out when Saints fans were asking why he'd come here. I'm also certain he has referred to Everton as 'we' on numerous occasions.

He has also referred to Everton as a big club on many occasions and said that he is aware of our achievements when he was coming up as a player. He has also paid tribute to the club's support on a number of occasions.

He involves himself in EitC events also, so to say he doesn't 'get us' is not really true. Let's sack him though cos he's shit now!!

Regarding Lukaku, whatever way you cut it, he is one of Europe's top strikers because his goal record backs him up. People need to get used to that fact.

Gordon White
56 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:29:16
What? Is this true?
Mark Morrissey
57 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:31:58
I'm with Gordon @ 50. It took me 14 lines to say what Gordon has said in 5 lines.

You need to see that Koeman is trying to motivate Rom and he's not degraded our club at all. It's a matter of opinion but I'm with Gordon all day long.

Gordon Roberts
58 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:34:17
Jason (#53). For the exact reason we are discussing it on this and other sites. If Rom leaves in July 2017, and the Board haven't sanctioned sufficient funds to upgrade the playing staff, the pressure moves away from the manager. Very clever political move in my humble opinion.
Chris Corn
59 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:34:49
Mark (#49), bollocks mate. Typical knee-jerk Evertonian reaction. Criticising them for three players that never signed for us and then a defence of Martinez. A new low.
Patrick Murphy
60 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:35:07
Gordon (#50),

You're right – it's far too clever for me. There seems to be a lot of this sort of thing going on in most arenas, whether it be sport, politics or economics.

A person is quoted as saying "X" or is heard as saying "X" and for some reason we all have to turn it on its head and decide that's not what is meant but some hidden message that is so nuanced it is beyond the comprehension of most observers apart from those who have some sort of psychic ability to know what the text actually means.

I state that "I don't like Apples" but via this mysterious psychic ability the statement actually means "I declare my love of Oranges"?

James Doran
61 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:37:08
Mark @ 56:

I would be careful admitting to the 14 lines / 5 lines thing – Gordon @ 50 may insult your intelligence for not being to be able to write with clarity and brevity!

Stephen Brown
62 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:37:48
Not good this, Ronald – big PR mistake!

Not sure he'd be pleased if Moshiri had said something like Koeman was the best manager we could get at the moment but ,once we've got a new stadium and a few better players, we will look to bring in a coach with a better track record of winning trophies!

Paul Burns
64 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:41:43
Koeman out NOW.
The man is an imbecile.
It's bad enough everyone else having a pop at our club with seeming impunity but when a highly paid employee is disrespecting and embarrassing us while taking OUR money, it's unforgivable.
THROW HIM OUT NOW.
He's fucken crap anyway.
Darryl Ritchie
65 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:42:03
I think Koeman made a deal with Lukaku at the start of the season; 'Stay one more season and then you're outta here'.

It's pretty well accepted that Lukaku is going to leave, it's just a bit unusual for our current manager to pave the way for his star player to leave so easily.

Anthony Hughes
66 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:44:58
Maybe you"re reading too deeply into it, Gordon, and Koeman isn't some sort of psychobabbler and is quite actually a cold fish who's already casting a eye towards his next of port of call.

Moshiri isn't daft he"ll know that this squad isn't good enough, he doesn't need to be publicly told like this.

Eddie Dunn
67 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:46:26
Hang on everybody! Koeman is just telling it like it is. Does the truth hurt? Get real.

He may have been asked various questions about Lukaku's future, and answered them truthfully. Years of bullshit have made many ToffeeWebbers a little sensitive.

Half of the people on here have been slagging off our goal machine, and now are outraged at the "shock" that he might actually leave at the end of the season! Funny, I thought Lukaku was giving us another year.

Oh, he is ...this season. We put a whacking big price tag on him in the summer, and scared off all of the suitors.

We won't be scaring them off next summer, so let's hope he carries on scoring and brings in a good fee.

As for Koeman, come on folks! He isn't here for the club tie, he's here for the money, and if he is successful, he will go somewhere bigger, like Lukaku.

Carry on, Ron.

Rick Tarleton
68 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:46:54
When we sing "if you know your history" we do so because traditionally this is one of the great clubs of the English game. To Mr Koeman we are merely a mid-ranking club, paying over the odds for an ambitious manager. If he can get through here, maybe the path to glory awaits at his old club.

This, Mr Koeman will turn out to be an early suicide note in your relationship with Everton fans. His appearance at the Swansea game and the crowd's reaction will be interesting.

James Doran
69 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:48:57
Geoffrey @ 57: Or, if that situation arises in the pre-season, he could go public with the facts in then; to deflect the pressure?
James Byrne
70 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:49:51
The sooner we offload Lukaku, the better for everyone. He's not one bit arsed about the club or the fans. Yes, he scores goals but his actually ball-at-feet ability and overall vision is poor.

Koeman's task is to motivate Lukaku into scoring goals in order to generate interest and a huge sale.

Paul Burns
71 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:50:20
Do not carry on, Ron,... get out NOW.
James Doran
72 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:54:26
James @ 69: ''Koeman's task is to motivate Lukaku into scoring goals in order to generate interest and a huge sale.''

Isn't it to motivate Lukaku into scoring goals in order to help us win silverware?

Andrew Keatley
73 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:55:15
Reading between the lines, I'm not sure Koeman is such a big fan of Lukaku. The whole thing smacks of overstatement; Lukaku is not Lionel Messi.

Lukaku is essentially an old-fashioned centre-forward; he is not very adaptable (barring that 3-0 win v Arsenal when he played as on the right side, with Naismith through the middle) so offers little versatility to the manager. Rebuilding without him might be easier than trying to build a team around him.

We also do not really have the option of playing a successful high-press because Lukaku seems to lack the energy, stamina and hunger to play his part, so the team is significantly hamstrung by that.

I think it's possible that Koeman is being quite cute. He's blowing smoke up Lukaku's arse, wafting that smoke out into the world, and while some people here might think he is setting fire to our club (and he might be), I think he could be sending out a smoke signal to Moshiri and Kenwright that holding onto our best players like Lukaku (and Stones) is never going to be possible unless they find a way of taking the club infrastructure up a level.

John Daley
74 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:58:05
Proper jelly-head comment for any manager to be coming out with. Insulting, in fact: "His attacking movement is great".

What the fuck you been watching, Ronald?

James Marshall
75 Posted 09/11/2016 at 18:58:27
Personally I don't mind a bit of honesty, and I actually agree with him – we're not a top club, and in reality, never have been. I know I'll get shot down for this, but we have no European pedigree at all, and have not been successful domestically for 30 years...

Lukaku is only 23, and can play at a higher level – the Champions League is of course what he, his dad, his agent and now Koeman are talking about – for a top European club. So what? Players come & go at all clubs, and Lukaku is no different.

Koeman is an honest man and, when asked a question, will give an honest answer – I'd rather have that then Martinez warbling on about some nonsensical shite every week.

One day, Lukaku will leave Everton – big deal.

Brent Stephens
76 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:00:08
Possibly, rather than Koeman having thought through what he wanted to say about Lukaku for "cute" motivational or political reasons, he was caught giving a naive answer to one question in a wider interview.
Mark Frere
77 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:00:49
Chris (#58), bollocks to you too, mate! They were 3 players which Koeman and Walsh had identified – players which our board failed to deliver. A major bullet dodged methinks!

I'm not defending Matinez's ability as a manager – he was incompetent beyond belief... but he never spouted off about a player being too good for us.
Steavey Buckley
78 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:00:55
At the end of last season, I commented on TW, if Everton want to finish in the top 4 this season, Everton needed 9 new players. And Lukaku was not one of them nor John Stones.

Since Stones has gone and Lukaku is going, Everton now need a whole new team. Unless of course, Everton want to finish near the bottom and get relegated. Because without Lukaku's goals, that's where Everton are heading; this season is turning out to be worse than last.

Mike Hepworth
79 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:01:16
It doesn't matter whether the comments are to motivate Lukaku or his honest opinion or both, they degrade Everton and are unacceptable.
Brian Williams
80 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:02:33
Eddie Dunn.

You may have a point that he's simply "telling it how it is," but – and it's a big BUT – it neither makes sense, nor makes for a good relationship with the club's supporters to speak so openly, candidly, bluntly whatever.

The man's paid a kings ransom and represents this club and he should consider the effect of his words on the people who pay good money to support the club. I don't always buy into the "Oh it's the Dutch way" to be straight talking and frank.

If you feel he did no harm then next time you're in the company of your bosses wife (say at a Christmas do or whatever), see what effect it has if you happen to be truthful and tell him she looks like a pig with lipstick (provided of course that she's not a real honey or anything).

Get my point though? It's one thing to know something, it's quite another to say it out loud in public!

Jay Harris
82 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:04:48
While I agree with the majority that this statement should not have been made, I wonder if Koeman has got fed up with Lukaku's poor workrate and ability to hold the ball up.

Koeman wants his forwards to press the opposition which is obviously not Rom's cup of tea.

So the manager may just be bigging him up to get a nice transfer fee sorted and get a replacement in.

Not the right way to go about it though.

Gordon Crawford
83 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:06:37
I'll say it now, he needs to be sacked for that comment; that's just not on. I don't care if he is trying to motivate Rom.

How are we going to attract top players when our manager is spouting stuff like that? Sack, sack, sack. Bring in Unsy.
Gerard Carey
84 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:07:19
Jeez!!!, thought Bobby brown shoes was bad bigging up our players, now Koeman at it. Can't wait for his next utterance where he states Barkley is in a special moment!!

Davy Unsworth should have got the job. We are only a stepping stone for our present manager.

James Byrne
85 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:07:42
James (#71)

Please explain the benefits at this time in keeping hold of Lukaku?

We've actually got more chance of winning silverware without him as opposed to keeping him in a relatively crap side.

We sold John Stones recently — does anyone miss him?

Ian Riley
86 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:08:28
When Mr Koeman talks after matches, he explains Everton should be doing better. As if it's nothing to do with him.

Sorry, you are the manager. It's your team and my club. After Chelsea on Saturday, his post-match interview gave me the impression, "Well, we are Everton, what do you expect?"

Lukaku for Barcelona? Let's get rid of Lukaku next summer. I'm tired of players and our manager treating us as a small club. Pull your finger out, Mr Koeman, or get out!!

Daniel A Johnson
87 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:09:07
It's one thing "Roy mad man Keane" belittling our club – it's another thing when the manager does it!
Steve Guy
88 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:14:40
Good psychology in my opinion. I don't see it as dissing Everton at all.

Does anyone believe Lukaku will be here beyond his current contract? I don't. So big him up while he's here and play to his ego. Hopefully get another 10% effort out of him.

John Daley
89 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:15:55
"Koeman isn't an Everton supporter, he's just an employee of the club. Why should he have ANY affinity with Everton?"

Of course he's an employee of the club, but he's not just any employee, is he? He's the most important employee.

The manager.

The guy paid being paid a fortune to improve the club's on-pitch fortunes, to act as a figurehead, to bring in better players, and to try to retain those who are already there.

He shouldn't need to have a 'special affinity' to recognise it would be shooting both himself and his paymasters in the foot to basically say any player who sees out their career at Everton can be considered a fucking flop.

If this is how he talks about the club in public, what lure does he attach to the end of his line when he's looking to attract new signings to the club?

"Oh, come on. It's not like I'm asking you to stick around forever. Just put up with it for a few years. Simply close your eyes and think of it the same way as a 'just got his hole' scrote with a hair trigger might think of that fat lass in his class who'll let you do absolutely anything if you chuck her a kebab. Bit of non-demanding, dog rough practice before moving onto better things."

James Doran
90 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:16:10
James @ 84. Rom is equal third goalscorer in the Premier League mate...

Our defensive record has, overall, improved since John Stones moved on – but would we be able to get in as prolific a goalscorer as Rom to replace him?
Mark Frere
91 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:17:30
"So the manager may just be bigging him up to get a nice transfer fee sorted and get a replacement in.

Not the right way to go about it though."

Yes, Jay, 'bigging him up' like he has with Niasse so we can recoup the full £13 million wasted!

Andy Meighan
92 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:17:51
Having only read a couple of posts, I wonder what Brian Furey has got to say for himself on this matter? because it seems you cannot even mildy criticise Mr Koeman according to Brian.

Yes, Brian, you may have been shaking your head in disbelief at my post on another thread But I'll wager I'm not the only blue shaking my head in disbelief at this statement from our new messiah today.

As for Lukaku being good enough to play for Barcelona one day... Well, don't make me laugh Barcelona's players to a man can kill a ball stone dead and possess a work ethic which is testament to their success I hardly think our so-called superstar possesses either of those qualities, do you?

Barry Pearce
93 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:19:40
I really wanted Koeman as our new manger. After the joke that was Martinez, but this is football treason from an Evertonian's perspective.
Frank Crewe
94 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:20:14
I hate international breaks. It's like they save this stuff for them just to blurt it out and get on our nerves. Lukaku will never play for Barca while he has a hole in his backside.
Mark Riding
95 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:21:08
Get the banner back out and fire up the plane. Big Sam won't be available for long, and we've already missed out on Steve Bruce.
Mick Davies
96 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:23:04
To all those defending Keoman's comments with shit like "he's trying to help Lukaku", I say, is it right to belittle our great club by calling us inferior to a wealthy version of Celtic, just to aid an underperforming ego?

Spanish football is pathetic: two disgustingly rich clubs who play in a bent two-club league, so the top jobs are limited and highly sought after, so what chance has our clueless journeyman got of getting his foot in the door?

He's done it for me. I can forgive his tinkering, his lack of ideas, his persistence with 'past it' players and his ignorance of our young players, but to disrespect Everton FC is beyond the pale.

Mark Morrissey
97 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:25:40
James Doran, you did me in 3 lines... ha ha, fascinating read with some saying sack him. Polar opposite to how I see it.

Koeman is not a stupid man. He wants to do well at Everton. Where is Frank de Boer going next ? Nowhere fast. Koeman has to do well with us. He is here until such time as he does well enough for the likes of Barca to want him.

He is trying to massage Rom's already inflated ego. It's what makes him tick.

Tony Smith
98 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:26:27
I consider myself a very talented football fan, good record of regularly spending loads of money at Everton matches, skillfully getting to away games, and masterful at buying merchandise.

I've come to the conclusion that I am far too talented a fan to be wasting my potential with Everton and feel I have much more chance of achieving my lifelong dream of winning silverware by supporting a bigger team.

Therefore next season I will be following Man City.

James Byrne
99 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:28:02
James (#89).

I appreciate what you're saying mate, but I don't think Koeman rates the lad. I don't rate Lukaku as an all-round footballer myself and I never have.

It is possible that Koeman and Walsh have a back-up plan if they get rid of Lukaku.

Allan Barratt
100 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:28:41
What a manager!!
Steavey Buckley
101 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:31:34
Koeman's present problems with the Everton team, he did not sort them out in preseason when the results and displays were quite dire and shocking. Yet, he took the same group of players into this season for proper.

So, unfortunately, the blame lies with him. Not the players. They are what they are at best, quite mediocre as last season.

Christopher Wallace
102 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:35:45
After reading first 10 comments... so many short-sighted idiots...
Si Murphy
103 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:35:54
Ronald Koeman needs to shut his mouth, focus on doing his very very well paid job much better with the players he's got, stop this faltering period and trying to exonerate responsibility for a team whose style of play and performances are deteriorating (okay, they're fitter and they press more, big deal) with several players who look increasingly demotivated.

We have grown used to listening to mercenary players, but loyal fans and loyal players don't need to hear it from an apparently mercenary manager.

Geoff Evans
104 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:38:24
I sincerely hope "It's always darkest before the dawn", or we're truly fucked!
Gary Willock
105 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:39:03
To the 'defenders', this man is paid handsomely to help us grow as a team, and as a club. We've paid that handsome wage largely because his 'name in the game' is meant to help us attract and keep a decent calibre of player.

To then use that name, in a public way, to belittle the club and help a player's profile go higher at the club's expense is dumb at best, arrogant and unprofessional at worst.

If we are really small or not is absolutely irrelevant!

He's kind of now lost any edge he may have given over an Unsy or Eddie Howe. He must now be judged only on the football side... taking defensive formations to Chelsea, failing to add any new goalscorers, and giving youth no chance of breaking through are not good signs.

Brent Stephens
106 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:39:03
Chris (#101) – you could at least explain why you think some are idiots.
Christopher Wallace
107 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:40:28
Also, lmao at the amount of people on ToffeeWeb who evidently know NOTHING about Barcelona, or how the play football!

Peak Zlatan didn't fit in, but they covet Lukaku?? Okay, lads, whatever you say – *gives double thumbs up*

James Doran
108 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:40:41
Brent @ 105 - Exactly.
Gordon Crawford
109 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:41:40
Starting to think the phenomenal one had more respect for our club. If you need a pilot to fly that plane, I'm your man.
John Daley
110 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:42:26
"After reading first 10 comments... so many short-sighted idiots..."

Go on then. What long-term benefits are there to be derived from Koeman's comments, Christopher?

Colin Hughes
111 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:43:36
Would you see Klopp selling their club to the media with a comment such as "Coutinho needs to leave Liverpool to become as good as Messi or Suarez"?

If Koeman has belittled Everton and said this about Lukaku, then he will already have lost half the fans at Goodison and won't get them back on side.

John Daley
112 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:44:38
"Starting to think the phenomenonal one had more respect for our club"

Martinez 

Link


Koeman

Link

Steavey Buckley
113 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:48:49
Jay (#81) "Koeman wants his forwards to press the opposition which is obviously not Rom's cup of tea. So the manager may just be bigging him up to get a nice transfer fee sorted and get a replacement in."

Unfortunately, there is no replacement for Lukaku... and if he goes, his goals go with him, and Everton may well be relegated. Because there is no one-else at the club who can score goals on a regular basis.

Brent Stephens
114 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:49:23
John (#111) – don't tell me they are selfies, please!
Ray Said
115 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:50:20
In my opinion, Koeman's comments were ill-judged, clumsy and make me question his judgement. He is the manager of our club yet his comments sound like they came from Lukaku's agent.

The killer phrase for me is 'Romelu will not have made the most of his career if he plays for Everton for the remainder of his career'. That is explicitly telling a player under contract they should leave our club to make the best of himself. That's how to play hardball in contract negotiations isn't it? Foolish stuff to say.

James Byrne
116 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:51:33
Why do people have to jump into "comparison rage" between Koeman and Martinez when we question the managers credentials?

Koeman is in the spotlight right now but I'll stick with the Dutchman any day over that clown Martinez.

Peter Gorman
117 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:53:10
Christopher Wallace (#101) - Pardon my French (I don't really speak French as you will have gathered) but you are the bloody idiot.

Unless you care to explain yourself and why this inexplicable belittling of the club is anything other than what it is?

And Eddie Dunn and James Marshall saying you appreciate the honesty? Er, what? Honest or not, how do these comments help the club? People have pointed out several ways they hurt it.

Garry Corgan
118 Posted 09/11/2016 at 19:57:19
Came for the money, had a couple of holidays before bothering to sit down and sign his contract and seems to have developed little respect for us.

Last season, we suffered from having too many want-away mercenary players. This season, we've added a manager with the same attitude.

David Barks
119 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:00:06
When the manager views the club as small, and openly talks about our best player leaving as a positive, there is something seriously wrong.

Now, if the ownership really wants to make a statement they should hold a joint press conference and force him to retract that statement. But, the damage is already done. Now I can't see the end of Koeman soon enough.

Garry Corgan
120 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:00:45
Just to add, I've no doubt that Moshiri came to help Everton realise it's own potential, invest a bit and make a few quid, e.g buy low and sell high – but at least he had the good sense to say the right things about his feelings for Everton earlier this week.

I'm sure he won't be too impressed with Koeman's comments either.

Si Murphy
121 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:02:03
ps: To Ronald Koeman, Lukaku has as much chance of playing for the current Barcelona as you have of managing them.

They like a high work rate in their players – as much as they like tactical nous and the ability to affect a game from their managers.

Tony Draper
122 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:03:41
And if you, Mr Koeman pull yer fuckin tripes out, then Everton will be the club to be with!

However, getting gubbed 5-0 will ensure that you won't be on Barça's "most wanted' list, but it will add your name to the "Fucked Off By Everton" list.

That's just a bit of Scouse plain speaking.

(Dat is gewoon een beetje Scouse vlakte spreken).

Andy Crooks
123 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:04:31
Gordon (#50) and Christopher Wallace, thank you. The rest of us on here do not have your insight or mighty intellect.

How in God's name did I think that Koeman was starting to sound like a money-grabbing, self-serving, over-hyped fool?

I would expect him to clarify, apologise or explain if his comments are accurately recorded. But he is a hired hand, nothing more.

Jim Hillier
124 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:04:59
Lyndon, have you seen the original and is that your translation? Anyone got a link?

If this is what he did say, it is fucking outrageous. I just do not comprehend how our manager could think such a comment was appropriate. He needs to explain himself, and if he can justify himself. I doubt that he can.

He owes the fans and the owners a sincere apology.

Phil Walling
125 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:05:15
All those reading 'motivational talk' into this outpouring are deluded. Our club made another bad shout in its choice of manager – Koeman came here for the money and nothing else.

His coldness made him little loved at Southampton and he'll leave here with few friends and admirers. I hear he's little liked by the staff and not exactly an inspiration to the players.

I'll give him this season – if he's lucky!

Don Alexander
126 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:06:16
At the risk of being made to resemble Sammy Davis Jnr by irate fans I agree with the three or four commentators above who look beyond the obvious. Lukaku, despite his goal record, is not a good footballer. Many of his goals should be scored by any reasonable striker but with the lack of ability throughout our midfield he's Billy No-Mates up front, albeit admittedly good at muscling into good positions to score, like £30ish mill Benteke, Costa, Sanchez or Mane for instance (and I accept that prices will be higher now courtesy of Murdoch screwing us all).

In Koeman's mind he has to serve himself, his boss, his players, the media, and then us fans, in that order. Every manager recognises that. I suggest he's realised that Rom has already reached the ceiling of his ability and value and, if someone wants to pay something like twice what he's worth, then sell him. His price diminishes with every month we near the end of his contract.

Any player in the world looking to join a Premier League team with history of success in the league or Europe, will just not be salivating over joining the legend we fans call Everton. To attract the best of them we need money and, by the standards of club owners, Mr Moshiri is, through no fault of his own, merely mid-table.

And if we're going to get upset about Koeman's so-called dissing of our club, we presumably believe every badge kissing player is 100% sincere. As if!

John Crawley
127 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:08:18
Not surprised in the slightest, he only renewed his interest in the job when it became clear we were offering more money to Unai Emery than we initially offered to him. Then it was a sudden about face and he was interested. We should have swerved him then.
Pete Edwards
128 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:08:41
If this is actually exactly what he said, then maybe it's code for:–

"Don't bother worrying about Juve, Chelsea or Bayern – wait here and play a few more seasons and Barca will come knocking."

Joe Foster
131 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:16:23
This is unbelievable. It's like Ratner saying his jewellery was crap. This really beggars belief.
Dave Ganley
132 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:16:44
I was a big advocate of Koeman coming to the club and to be fair, it's going to take a long time to get things right. However, he really has scored an own goal by coming out with this. It really doesn't matter whether he is right or not, in fact in private, given our record over the last 30 years, he is right. But you don't need to tell that to the very people who turn up week after week hoping for an upturn of fortune and finally getting back to winning trophies that we can't satisfy players goals.

To be honest I would like to see banners, songs and the like at Swansea game telling Koeman exactly why he got this wrong. In no way shape or form is this a back handed way of motivating Lukaku, it's just a big slap in the face for us.

It probably is best that we get rid of Lukaku. We are way too reliant on his goals to the point that nobody else really chips in. Having Lineker in the team was counterproductive to the team's progress. He left and, the season after, we won the league. Rooney left and, the season after, we came 4th.

Lukaku can probably do well somewhere (if anybody will buy him) whereby he is not the top dog, but here he goes through the motions a lot of the time because he is top dog. Just not good for the team. We will probably prosper without him, finally make Everton a team again. As for Koeman, well he is going to have to do a lot to win over the fans after this huge gaff.

Jim Hillier
133 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:17:20
I found the original, and the quotes are there towards the end of the piece, which starts off about anti-smoking strangely enough. And the translation is spot on.

It's an appalling thing for the manager of our club to be saying.

Charles McCann
134 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:24:47
Unbelievable comments. Sack this manager now please. Unsworth and Sheedy in immediately. Absolutely raging at this.
Giacomo Trifoglio
135 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:25:23
Odd message, taken on face value, to be sending out to potential transfer window recruits – let alone anyone else.
Brian Porter
136 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:25:42
Definitely not what you expect to hear from your own manager. Koeman now showing a total lack of respect for the club and its supporters. At least Martinez loved the club and fought tooth and nail to keep our best players.

I think Koeman has just burned his bridges with many fans, me included. Not the man for Everton, not by a long chalk.
Guy Hastings
137 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:27:09
Watching Romelu Lukaku on Saturday, I doubt Marine would be in for him come January.
Tony Abrahams
138 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:28:37
Most teams press from the front, but Everton are down in 17th place when it comes to how far each team has ran this season.

I'm not blaming Lukaku for that, but also don't think that he's a very good footballer. Can't argue with his goal record but, other than a 10-minute cameo now and again, he's not a player I really enjoy watching.

A really silly thing to say off Koeman though, and I would hope that both Don @125 and Andrew @72, have called this right, because these comments are going to make his job a lot harder than it already is.

James Byrne
139 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:29:00
Don @ #125 ...Spot on assessment although you'll get your fair share of hissy fits from some of our more dramatic TW's.
Kunal Desai
140 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:29:52
James Marshall (#74) nails it on the head for me. Everton have never been a big club in the Premier League era. One trophy and one top-four finish does not constitute a big club.

Lukaku is not going to fill his ambitions at Everton any time soon. Like Stones, he has given Everton another and will move on next summer.

Koeman is sadly stating how it is and many can't accept that. He's not referring to Man City or Roma – he's talking about Barcelona who are one of the greatest clubs in Europe currently and historically.


Ciarán McGlone
141 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:31:19
Holy good fuck.. I've had to read this twice for it to sink in.

Is our manager actually touting our players to other team???

Koeman's refreshing honesty is now getting daft.

Ian Jones
142 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:31:23
Admittedly a strange comment from Koeman.

However I quite like his comments. I think he is basically talking Lukaku up. Hoping to raise as much money with a view to selling him high. Get one, possibly two players in who perhaps fit Koeman's style of play.

I have never been too impressed with Romelu. I love the fact that he came to us. I appreciate his goals. But I don't believe he is as good as he is made out to be. I am still not convinced he can hold the ball up or control it consistently.

We would probably miss him if he left but perhaps having other forwards who can offer more in their all-round play and who may help bring other players into the game may also lead to the team offering more of an attacking threat and the goals would be spread out amongst the squad.

So I think it's clever stuff from Koeman. Although, as said first line, a bit strange.

Sean Randles
143 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:31:53
Can we give him the chance to clarify his comments first before we start rounding up the lynch mob again.
Jay Woods
144 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:37:19
The board needs to make a statement about this unacceptable commentary from Koeman immediately. And it won't be enough to say something was lost in translation.
John Pierce
145 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:37:58
Let's get this right: unlike our mouthy Benelux players, Koeman doesn't say things mistakenly.

Koeman is doing several things at once; poster #41 rightly pointed out that Lukaku, despite the goals, either can't or won't fit into the style of play Koeman wants.

So Koeman is inflating both Rom's ego and alerting clubs to his availability. I'd suggest that's what he is trying to achieve.

More darkly, Koeman has found the squad he inherited extremely limited when trying to get them to play his way. He could be just plotting his exit, fanciful? Perhaps not... To my mind, if the performances continue to tank, Koeman won't hang around.

I hope Everton already have a short list of alternatives .

Steve Alderson
146 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:40:50
I said on another thread recently that I wondered why Koeman joined Everton. The answer must be that the money the club offered him made him jump ship for Everton who, besides taking Kenwright's and Moshiri's word for it, he would not see it as better or as a step up.

These comments don't help to change my opinion that we should have left him where he was because we needed to find a manager, like De Boer, who actually wanted the job.

Raymond Fox
147 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:41:48
The superior intellectuals are saying Koeman is a smart cookie and making the comment for ulterior motives. You mean like the smart comments he made about Niasse being not good enough for Everton. We all know some things to be true but you don't come out and say it, do you?

He's the manager, he's paid to do what's best for his employers, not insult the company.
He's shot himself in both feet, in my opinion, and will do very well to win Evertonians over in the future.

Dave Abrahams
148 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:43:52
Koeman might have done better to keep advice to Lukaku between the two of them but, the way I see it, he was telling Lukaku, "If you want to get to Barcelona or other top clubs, you will have to improve your game a lot more than you're playing now."

I am biased because It will not upset me when he goes, I want him to score every game, the more he scores the bigger the transfer fee we will get when he goes, and Lukaku can't wait to get himself away from Everton. My only hope is, when he does go, all the transfer fee will be spent on incoming players.

Dave Williams
149 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:47:31
I don't think this is a clever attempt to sell Lukaku. Ron doesn't appear to have bought into the spirit of our club and is totally detached. He seems to see it as a job and a stepping stone and really shows himself in a very poor light when compared with the guy across Stanley Park...

He didn't seem too keen on the job in the first place, saw his second holiday as more important than getting stuck into the job, and his ignoring of youth in favour of players who are either past it or not up to the job is disappointing to say the least.

If this is really him being clever then someone needs to have a word and tell him that he needs to show that he cares about the club before he totally alienates himself from the fans and the players because, once that happens, he must be on his way.

John Pierce
150 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:48:43
I was never convinced from the start, his appointment hardly got the pulse racing.

I was prepared to give him a year based on the the need to shape a team, but knowing the gap above is ever increasing, not much more. Clear progress would certainly extend his probation.

Already the performances of our team have caused me to rethink radically as too much has already indicated serious issues.

The remarks have hardened that train of thought and there are only a few straws left on that camel's back before I call time on him.

You are in a massive hole, Ronald, hope you have a ladder, mate!

Jay Wood
151 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:49:48
On face value, like many others in this thread, I read the clipped comments by Koeman as presented in the opening post and thought ... "Whaaaaaaat the ...?"

That is NOT how I want my club manager referring to our club or talking about arguably our biggest playing asset.

But before commenting, I thought I'd track down the original article in the quoted Belgium newspaper and translate from the Dutch. Here's the link, for anyone interested:

Link

Perhaps our resident Dutch correspondent Eric Dols can help out here, but I'm now leaning towards a particularly slant being mistakenly given to a snippet in a wide-ranging interview given by Koeman on the eve of the Holland-Belgium clash.

Apparently, the interview was given partly in his role as ambassador for some anti-smoking campaign Koeman fulfils. He talks of a breast cancer scare for his own chain smoking wife and his former coach and friend Johan Cryuff who was a big chain smoker.

They talk about the upcoming match a wee bit, then more specifically about Lukaku. He speaks glowingly about Romelu's qualities, but also that he wants more from him, in terms of pressing from the front and being a better penalty-box striker. Koeman adds Lukaku is still young, so you can't expect him to be a "10" in all aspects of his game, but as a coach, Lukaku is one of the best he has worked with.

Koeman is then asked "Can you compare him favourable with previous great Dutch strikers from your generation. For example, he is the same build as Patrick Kluivert."

Koeman replies: "I think so. Kluivert was a similar type of striker and also quite young when he broke onto the scene. Kluivert had a fantastic career, eventually playing for Barcelona, ​​which could happen with Lukaku."

Nothing too extreme IMO, in answer to the question.

Koeman is then asked: "Last summer Lukaku actually wanted to make a step up from Everton. How can you continue to convince him to stay?"

Koeman replied: "I told him honestly how I see his role at Everton. He started training late after the European Championships, but I gave him confidence and he has himself recognized that it was good for his development to play another year at Everton. There is a very good contact and appreciation between us. Whatever comes after this season, no one knows."

Again, all reasonable stuff, IMO.

Next, given the previous questions, Koeman is asked a follow up question: "Everton may not be the end?"

And this is – perhaps innocently – where Koeman's response may be questioned, as it has been in this thread. He replied: "Yes. Not normally. If Romelu was to play at Everton until the end of his career, (he may not have fulfilled his full potential – my paraphrasing). His potential is greater and higher than ending his career at Everton."

Not great, I grant you, but not as black and white as portrayed in the OP either ...

In closing, RK is asked: "Lukaku was top scorer at Everton last season. How much does he want to finish the season as top scorer in the Premier League?"

Koeman replied: "He wants it very much. That would be great for him and great for Everton. Because goals bring points and win games. It works both ways. Lukaku now has seven goals in eleven games. That's a very good start, but he will have to improve on this."

On balance, having taken the trouble of reading and translating the whole article, I'm prepared to give Koeman the benefit of the doubt on this one.

Kevin Tully
152 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:50:40
I think a few people are forgetting the pedigree of our manager and exactly what he has achieved in the game.

We as fans obviously believe we are still a massive club, but giants of the game (and Koeman certainly is) don't view us in the same manner as the big clubs whether we like it or not. We've won fuck all for a generation and play in a dump of a ground. Anyone outside the club views us as a relic of days gone by.

He is clearly here because of the £6m salary on offer, but he's not the type of man to wax lyrical about us like Martinez or even Moyes – managers who played at lower levels and couldn't believe their luck when they came to a club like Everton.

We need to admit where we are in the game, and it's a mid-table club with hopefully a bright future. The 'sentimental drunk in the corner' routine only holds us back. We were big – once. It hurts to admit it.

Helen Mallon
153 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:53:11
I have to admit that this is beyond belief. I believe he should be sacked for gross miss conduct.

I have said before the only managers that have ever won anything have been ex blues so lets get David "Rhino" Unsworth in charge now a tell Koeman to do one.

Dave Pritchard
154 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:54:37
On issues similar to this, I try to keep an open mind and certainly try to understand why the statements might have been made.

On this one I can see no reason why Koeman, as Everton manager, has made this statement and find it inexcusable. The fact that we've just been embarrassed by an inept display at the weekend makes it even more incomprehensible that Koeman should say these things.

Extremely disappointing and he has put himself in a very difficult situation.

Max Murphy
155 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:56:04
3-3 at Chelsea last season. 0-5 this season. I thought Koeman was an improvement.

Work in progress? Like fuck.
Ben Parsons
156 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:59:19
Koeman may have been better advised to keep this to himself, but I think people are totally overreacting to this, saying he should leave and that it is disrespecting the club.

To me, it's a case of him trying to keep Rom's confidence high and I think he is being realistic in the sense that it's going to be difficult to keep Rom unless we are regularly competing in the Champions League.

I know he can be lazy at times, but the facts are there that he is one of the top strikers in the Premier League and with his age and his goal record he is going to be heavily sort after in the summer. Somebody is going to have to pay through there nose to get him, but if he does go, it's going to leave a massive hole in our side

As for being people saying Koeman is being cold and belittling the club, I think people are reading too much into how he talks about the club, the guy is a winner and even if he has a long term plan of where he wants to get to, that will only be achieved by being successful with us.

Mark Daley
157 Posted 09/11/2016 at 20:59:41
Here is the link to the interview:

Link

He is not misquoted nor taken out of context.

PS I see Jay Wood posted while I was typing this!

Rob Halligan
158 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:05:03
Re: Max (#154)... 0-3 at Sunderland last season, 3-0 this season.

Koeman an improvement? Yes... a work in progress... I think so.

Phil Greenough
159 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:12:05
So where does Everton go from here? Koeman was supposed to have set the standard and attract the best players, due to his pedigree. How can he expect to move on to so-called better managerial positions, when he shoots himself in the foot?

Let's jump into the realms of fantasy and imagine that Everton exceeds all expectations this season and finishes top four. How would he persuade players to come to Everton, when he's already told his best player that he's too good for them?

IMO, he should have just said that Everton is good enough for Rom and that if he chooses to leave there is nothing he can do to prevent it. How does Koeman expect to build a top four club when he has set the standard so low? Plus, it's not a great example of his man management skills, how does this motivate the rest of the team?

Neil Sagar
160 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:14:49
I don't agree with his comments but maybe RK is applying a bit of kidology here. The last player on Merseyside to join Barcelona nearly won the Premier League.

I think it's a foregone conclusion that Lukaku will leave in the summer and, rather that join PSG or Juve etc, why not put him in the shop window to the best; if his play was to attract Barcelona's attention then he would be another notch up.

Anthony Hughes
161 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:16:04
Maybe we aren't a big club in relative terms in the Sky era but we don't need possibly our most important employee informing all and sundry (reading between the lines seeing as we're being all psychological tonight) that if you're a top player don't bother your arse coming here if you want to further your career.

Nothing to see here... any potential transfer targets, move along now. (Unless of course they'll give you £6 mill a year.)

Michael Lynch
162 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:18:20
The worrying thing is that he thinks Rom's movement is great and his decision making amongst the best he has seen.

The man is clearly on drugs.

Andy Crooks
163 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:18:21
Jay #150, good post.
Mick Davies
164 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:20:47
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11671/10651287/romelu-lukaku-may-have-to-leave-Everton-to-realise-full-potential-says-ronald-koeman
David Barks
165 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:20:55
Meanwhile this quote has been picked up by every single press outlet, with the headlines saying Koeman has said "Lukaku will need to leave Everton to fulfill potential" or "Everton boss says striker should leave" or "Lukaku cannot fulfill his potential at Everton".

Christ I can only imagine what would happen if the manager of Liverpool said something like this, they'd be marching on the stadium before the papers were even done printing. But here at little old Everton, we have people trying to say it's smart, he's just motivating him. Yeah, OK. As a supporter base we have now lost all credibility to go after any media for saying we're a small club, because that's how we act.

Dick Fearon
166 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:22:14
My own interpretation of Koeman's statement is he thinks Lukaku is not suited to what is wanted and is seeking the best possible offer.

Rom must adapt to Koeman's style yet I do not believe he has the complement of skills needed to do this.

In such circumstances one of them has to go and sadly it must be Rom.

Faced with that inevitable outcome, it is Koeman's duty to garner the highest possible return. To say Rom is not suitable would have the opposite effect.

Nicholas Ryan
167 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:25:31
Nil Satis Nisi Barca
Anthony Hughes
168 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:26:08
Suarez, Messi, Neymar. I'm not sure Rom would be getting too much game time if by some strange twist of transfer fate he went there.

Alexi Sanchez had to leave Barca to get regular football, for fuck's sake!

Colin Malone
169 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:28:19
Give me a manager who is not a mercenary in the Premier League?
Give me a top player in the Premier league who is not a mercenary?
Declan Brown
170 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:30:19
Jay Wood – thanks for your post, that should have been post number 1 to take the sting out of all this. That made a bit more sense for me and took the shock out of what I read before that.

I was a big fan of Koeman, thought he was the best man for the job in the summer. Not 100% convinced now. Could be a case of wrong manager for the players we have, he's trying, I think this is a slow burn, the man needs time to get his players in and get them playing to his way. He is a winner though and could be the perfect antidote to Martinez. I was hoping for better by now, it just hasn't lit up as I hoped it would but it's still early days.

To argue with my own optimism, Southampton were in good shape because of Pochettino, Ron done a great job after the initial sell-off when he arrived there, but then Ron's record at Valencia was not that good and he didn't last long there (same for Gary Neville).

I'm hoping for the best. I think Moshiri, Walsh and Koeman, if given the time, (results like Chelsea really hurt) could turn this round. I think Martinez and his back room team left an absolute shambles behind them and this should take time to fix eventually.

Although it took Joe Royle less than 2 weeks to instantly set in motion the turnaround from the mess left by Mike Walker. I believe that involved double training sessions working a lot on fitness, shape and tactics initially, setting out a tough-to-beat hard working side with pride and characters in it, it quickly lead to an FA Cup in that very same season. Our current lot don't have that fire in their bellies that The Dogs of War had.

Your comments Ron, far from impressed, but thanks to Jay Wood for his submission, because I was starting to doubt and think that maybe we should have got Eddie Howe in instead.

I think a lot of managers have all been there, made the move with the best intentions, took a good look around, gave it their best shot, but felt frustration that, no matter what they do, it just doesn't seem to work out as hoped due to those at their disposal not doing what they should. I think there's been plenty of manager's that has applied to at certain times of their career.

Give Ron time and let's hope for the best. £6m a year in wages, after this gaff, straight after the Chelsea result, time's not on your side Ron... just say we and buy into the Everton Way. Show a bit love for the club and see how you will be revered as a result.

Paul Tran
171 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:31:52
Amid the fabulous hysteria on this thread, the things to remember are that Lukaku will only get his dream move if he improves and bags a load of goals and Koeman will only get his dream move if he does the business for us. I remember our last manager being the next Arsenal/Barcelona manager. What happened to him?

File this under foot and shoot, regardless of whether he meant it or was 'being clever'.

Pete Edwards
172 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:32:15
Steve @145 – you do know what has happened to De Boer, don't you!! He was best left alone, it seems.
Paul Tran
173 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:34:56
Pete, this is ToffeeWeb. Surely you know that any manager and player who isn't with us is brilliant and any manager and player who is with us is shite?

Keep up, man!

Mick Davies
174 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:40:18
Koeman on Lukaku: "He can hold a ball and be a target man"!!! That alone is enough to doubt my confidence in his ability to be our manager.

This is enough to make me seriously apoplectic: "If Romelu was to play at Everton until the end of his career, I know he has left something (behind). His potential is greater and higher than Everton, as a final destination."

I remember the anger levelled at Benitez for disrespecting our club, but to some on here, it's acceptable for OUR manager to do it; strange coming from a man who allegedly shuns the media.

And if Benitez was critical of us parking buses, then Koeman took a whole fleet to the 'Bridge', but forgot to put the handbrakes on... embarrasing week to be a Blue indeed.

Shane Corcoran
175 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:40:46
Ha ha. What a few days.

I think I prefer the soap opera of Everton than actually watching them play.

Anthony Jones
176 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:42:22
What the Hell is this?!

I think Koeman is a top coach, but this is not what an Everton manager says, ever.

Martinez actually dealt with these issues much better than this, for all of his faults.

Moshiri's about-face on Sissoko and McCarthy, and now this!

Paul Hewitt
177 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:48:48
I really can't believe the total negativity on here about Koeman's comments. Managers and players are ALL in it for themselves. There is NO loyalty in football anymore... get real.
Albert Perkins
178 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:51:23
Ha! Those criticizing Koeman should calm down. He has a plan. He promised Lukaku he could go next year and is bigging him up to keep him happy to get good money for him.

Ron needs him this season and he kept him. Good move. The more money we get for him, the more we can spend on a replacement striker.

I like Ronald Koeman. He is his own man, tells it like he sees it and is ruthless. Settle down boys. At the weekend we saw how much we need to change. I'm backing Ruthless Ronnie.

Darren Hind
179 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:51:23
Instead of "looking beyond the obvious" for some hidden meaning, why not try to recognise what has just smacked between the fucking eyes???

There is no hidden cryptic message here. Just utter contempt from a man who clearly thinks the only thing about our club that is good enough for him, is the majority shareholder's money.

Why do we go out of our way to pay top wages for second-rate managers who think they are better than they are?

If we are too small for you, Koeman, have some pride and dignity... fuck off.

See how many "big clubs" come knocking. They'll be queuing around the fucking block after Saturday's masterclass.

Don Alexander
180 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:58:28
Lukaku is probably our best paid player, on way less than £6 mill per year if rumours are right, but to attract the quality necessary to boost us to the top four we'll need to be paying just a few of our players £6 million a year at least. That's the norm at every club currently above us, every one of the six European qualifying one of them.

To do that we'll need more money than Mr Moshiri currently has, and we'll need it NOW if Koeman is to meet the remit he accepted when he took over (cue howls of anguish if some daft bugger pays our valuation of Rom but we replace him with a player costing half as much).

Koeman is in a win-win situation in that he's got licence to do what he wants, how he wants, for three years. He'll take devoted support from the fans for granted because that's what all top end EPL managers do and have done from its start, and for decades earlier too.

I'm sick of the likes of Martinez, Pardew, Moyes and other losers almost shedding a tear as they pay tribute on MotD to their club's wonderful fans after yet another thrashing.

We need to change, but we'll be lucky if we feel like we want to embrace it all the way.

Steavey Buckley
181 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:59:24
You might want to over look the fact that football is about winning matches by scoring enough goals. Yet, there are Everton fans who would like to see Lukaku go, when there is NO one else at the club who wants to score goals.

I will say this only once, there is no player in the very near future who can score goals on a regular basis for Everton like Lukaku does. He does not exist for Everton, here or somewhere else.

Bob Parrington
182 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:04:15
Are we all missing some clever politic in play by our manager?

"Er, look Rom we're playing' shit right now but we won't ever let you move on !"

" WTF Koeman, I can't give a damn any more. Just pay me and I'll turn up when I feel like it."

or

"You're a good lad Rom, with lots of prospects. Of course we'd like to keep you but, if you keep on improving, the world of soccer is your oyster."

Which do we expect would provide the right attitude from the player, week-in & week-out?

Mick Davies
183 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:05:29
Albert @ 178, "He promised Lukaku he could go next year and is bigging him up to keep him happy to get good money for him. Ron needs him this season and he kept him. Good move. The more money we get for him the more we can spend on a replacement striker. I like Ronald Koeman. He is his own man, tells it like he sees it and is ruthless."

So a) Koeman can't wait to sell our ONLY goalscorer and b) Do you really think Barca or any other club are going to buy a player because the manager 'bigs him up'? Don't you think it takes months of scouting, watching videos etc before they buy players? I suppose you are the sort who buys products because of TV ads.

So this public derogation of our club by it's own manager to earn us a few more quid is acceptable then, Albert?

Anthony Hughes
184 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:17:11
If Koeman is here on a 3-year project, then he should persuading Rom to stay and bring in better players to compliment our only source of goals. Telling him his future lies elsewhere hardly helps the team-building process.
Chris Jones
185 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:20:46
Everyone had applauded Ronald's previous comments up to now as direct and truthful. However that goes both ways Ronald, I can honestly say I am still waiting for us to play for a full 90 minutes in a game this season and still waiting to be entertained.

What a stupid idiotic statement to make on the back of a 5-0 drubbing. Unbelievable!!!!!!!

Dan Davies
186 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:23:57
Excuse the fact I've just speed read most of the thread. As much as I value Lukaku banging the goals in for us, I can't see him playing for Barca – he ain't in the same bracket as Suarez, Neymar, Messi... Dream on, Rom!
Laurie Hartley
187 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:25:18
Out of hibernation!

I am not condoning Koeman's comment, but I am not surprised either. My first hand experience of Dutch folk is that they tend to be quite candid in their verbal communications.

As far as Lukaku is concerned, I have not, for some time, rated him as a team player. Yes, he is unplayable when the mood strikes him but I would be very surprised if he is with us next season. He wants to play for a more successful club than Everton.

I can't however see him going in January unless Walsh cuts a swap deal for another striker and a midfield general. Actually the more I think about it I would do that deal if the right players were available. We are in a rebuilding process this season – it would be good to hit the ground running next season.

History often repeats itself – the others lot found themselves in a similar situation a few seasons ago with Suarez who was the finished article. It hasn't turned out too bad for them.

One final point – Moshiri said in his Jim White interview that Koeman "is ruthless". I reckon Moshiri is also.

He said he was going to give Everton's fans the stadium they deserve and that they had sounded the supporters feelings on this. We will get a new stadium on the waterfront and that is a huge commitment on his part.

He has a plan for the club and Lukaku leaving is not going to deflect him from it.

I am just going to keep hanging in there until the tide turns.

Brent Stephens
188 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:25:18
Lock him up? Lock him up??
Peter Mills
189 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:25:26
Jay Wood #151, thanks for your post, a helpful perspective.
Danny Broderick
190 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:27:15
I'm not particularly arsed about what Koeman has or hasn't said. It's international week, slow for news, and the press are making headlines out of anything.

I honestly believe Koeman persuaded Lukaku to give us another year. If we get an offer of around £75 million in the summer, I would gladly cash in on him. That may or may not be from Barcelona – again, I don't really care – but no player is irreplaceable, and I think this may be Koeman's way of keeping Rom focused all season.

He's given him the carrot of being the Premier League's top scorer and suggested he could end up at Barça if he does so. What striker in his right mind wouldn't want that?!

I wish we could buy more players for £28 million that could be sold for £75 million within 3 or 4 years! Lukaku's a bit like Lineker – we may well be a better team without him as the main striker.

John Daley
191 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:29:09
Kev (@151),

If Everton fans have short-term memories when it comes to Koeman's standing as a player, then the man himself has just pulled off a pretty passable impersonation of Leonard Shelby from Memento. Except, as he hasn't actually been diagnosed with anterograde amnesia (as far as we know), then Ron really shouldn't require the aid of Polaroid photos and a load of tattoos plastered over every inch of his skin to point out where he currently stands and who he is being paid to represent. 

He may privately (and perhaps correctly) think Everton, in comparison to Barca, are nothing more than minuscule winnits on the wondrous arse of their massive 50-foot woman and would be powerless to defend themselves if she were ever to attack, but there's no need to be announcing it for all to hear.

He could quite easily make the same case that Lukaku is capable of playing at the highest level, perhaps for a club as big as Barca... without hurling in the bit about him having pissed his potential away if he's still turning out for Everton at the tail end of his career.

People involved with the club were left furiously shaking their head and frothing at the mouth more than Roller Girl in Boogie Nights when Rafa Benitez rolled out his 'small club' comment, but now the guy actually employed by Everton to be boss spunks forth a similar sentiment and suddenly they're all ready to swallow rather than spit?


David Edwards
192 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:31:37
Unacceptable comments from our manager. With the stories surrounding his aim to manage Barcelona, his continual use of the third person in interviews when referring to our club, his indifferent start to the season and his rather cold, detached style – I'm starting to doubt this appointment, and it's only early November too.

After the positivity from Moshiri a few days ago, this feels like a kick in the teeth. I was looking for a manager with a long-term vision with us, rather than using us as a stepping stone (which is what Lukaku appears to be doing) – suddenly those early years of Moyes's reign don't seem so bad. Have we lost that dressing room spirit that kept us in so many games against the odds?

Callum McNab
193 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:35:14
After are recent results (especially Chelsea), I cannot see how Koeman's comments can help the team in anyway. If his comments are true, then it tells me that not only Lukaku won't be around much longer but Koeman intends to be right behind him.
Joe Clitherow
194 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:37:49
Despite Jay's very reasonable post at #151...

What the absolute fuck – from a highly paid employee of Everton?

Wrong, wrong ,wrong. Same thing applies to Koeman as to Lukaku – the only way to prove you can operate at a supposedly higher level is to outperform where you currently are.

Not great comments straight after such an abject performance at the weekend. Plenty of top managers would jump at Everton for the compensation package alone. I'm beginning to have doubts over our new manager. Taxi for Koeman maybe?

Eugene Ruane
195 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:37:53
After the camera was switched off, the mic picked up Koeman saying..

"...the player we get to replace Rom is gonna be huge, believe me he'll be huge, nobody gets huger players than Koeman. And our defence, wait 'til you see the defenders we're gonna have. Forget opposition free-kicks, we're gonna build a wall folks and we're gonna get Klopp to pay..'

Etc.

Thomas Lennon
196 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:40:47
Are Everton as successful as Barca over the last 50 years?

No.

Are Everton likely to be as successful or playing at the same level as Barca during Lukaku's career?

No.

It is then reasonable to suggest that Lukaku will need to move in order to play at that level – assuming he is good enough. It is also reasonable to suggest that, if a club currently as successful as Barca comes in for Koeman, he will move just as quickly as he moved to Everton this summer. Both are professionals trying to reach the top.

Everton will move on, their success depending on their ability to make more money to spend on wages, not on employment of individual professionals.

James Marshall
197 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:48:08
No I'm not a kopite I'm a realist. Everton are not one of the top clubs in European football – we're not even one of the top clubs in English football anymore.

We may have a rich history, but we haven't won jack-shit in the lifetime of any current professional footballers, so why, aside from us supporters, would anyone think we're a big club?

Big in reputation from 30 years ago, but in the modern game? Nah, sorry, the reality is that we're not, and players like Lukaku will of course leave. I agree with the manager.

Peter Gorman
198 Posted 09/11/2016 at 22:55:13
James, leaving aside the questionable appraisal of Lukaku by Koeman, you state "Everton are not one of the top clubs in European football – we're not even one of the top clubs in English football anymore."

I know that, you know that, the manager knows that and I suspect every journalist in Belgium knew it already.

But why in the name of God would you say it?

Tom Neal
199 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:03:12
The Premier League has changed since the early '90s! It's safe to say we are looking at paid mercenaries all looking to better themselves, desiring trophies while the rest of us as fans work hard to try and achieve the same ends, watch our blues lift silverware!

Jeffers, Rooney, Arteta, Stones et al! Wankers who we all have chanted from the Gwaldys Streeet... Lukaku is no different! I admit it's happened before, it will happen again!

We look resigned to losing Rom, safe to say Koeman is too! It's shit! Crack on tho, innit.

Koeman's comments are inexplicable, doesn't fill me with confidence at all... but we are Everton aren't we.

Kevin Tully
200 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:05:49
JD – no doubt it was a poor interview that has upset a lot of Blues. I agree Koeman should act accordingly as an ambassador for the club, especially when he's a lottery winner every season he's with us.

I just feel the whole club has become a tribute act to the last successful era of the '80s and past title winning teams. You cannot escape it, from charity nights to player presentations and former players popping up everywhere you look.

The players currently lucky enough to be pulling on the royal blue jersey seem to be excused from making their own history. The comments of Roy Keane brought it home for me.

If Koeman can start by bringing a few home truths to the table and in the dressing room, then I believe it will do us more good in the long term than the 'jumpers for goalposts' attitude which seems to be accepted without question.

I know a certain luvvie who won't want to lose that 'family feeling' that makes a lot of fans go weak at the knees, but it's just what's required if we want to move forward.

Don Alexander
201 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:17:39
Well said, Kevin Tully, and, at the risk of pissing even more of us off, if we all know what Peter Gorman says we all know, and we surely do, why not say it?

Do we imagine everyone else in football has failed to see what's happened to our club since the mid 1980s, for fuck's sake?

Anthony Dwyer
203 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:24:37
Every fan understands that Everton are light years away from Barcelona, but we should be allowed to dream that our new manager, plus the owner can bit by bit take us to the top.

These recent comments stink, they also show us the way Koeman views us, a stepping stone at best.

Jamie Sweet
204 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:25:14
Ronald strikes me as the kind of guy who would actually tell his wife her arse looks a bit big.

There are some things in life, no matter how true they are, that should just never be said.

Don Alexander
206 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:34:20
I assume your missus is a Toffee lover too Jamie! 😃
Mike Allen
207 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:34:51
Everton is not one of the big clubs anymore but a grand old club just the same, what success we have had is history long gone, will we come again who knows?

But for the manager to make this statement and shatter whatever dreams we still cling to is deplorable and, if true, he should resign.
Mike Green
208 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:35:30
If you think we're offended, just think how offended Barcelona fans must be.
Stephen Beattie
209 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:39:49
Koeman has to respond to this. Don't hide behind the written media and the possibility of a misquote. Take a leaf from Moshiri's book and give Jim a call to set the record straight or confirm it.

If it's not a misquote and it's Dutch courage/candour, then he'll have to accept a lot more straight talking from Moshiri and the fans from now on. Trounced by Chelsea. Would've been trounced by City bar Stekelenburg's heroics.

We have so much to do. We need everyone pulling in the same direction.

If I spoke like that about my employer in public, I'd be on shaky ground. I'm all for direct talking but it should be behind closed doors.

Eddie Dunn
210 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:41:42
Jamie Sweet, you presume that a big arse is a bad thing! Not necessarily.
Andy Crooks
211 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:42:12
Eugene, scary post. Scary day.
Colin Williams
212 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:44:10
If Koeman thinks that's true, he's fecking bonkers!!! Barcelona's pub team is the closest that guy will get to Camp Nou!
Micheal Lynch
213 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:44:42
If this happened at any other club – Liverpool, Man Utd, Chelsea – the fans would call for the manager to be sacked. Koeman has a responsibility to respect and represent Everton, To manage our top players and progress our team to win and be competitive at the top level.

If anyone can actually suggest that this is a way of making Lukaku play better, I'm sorry but in my opinion that is deluded thinking. What message is he giving the other players and furthermore our opponents?

We berated Moyes for the taking knifes to gunfights comments. What's the difference here? From the start I questioned his interviews.

However bad Niasse is, he didn't deserve the public comments by Koeman. It showed a complete lack of respect for the player and wasn't exactly going to endear another club to him.

To me, he is arrogant. A great player, yes, but manager? Funny how him and Keane are at loggerheads. They have many similarities. Great players full of arrogance as managers with little achieved.

I also question his tactics. Starting Oviedo and Deulofeu on the same flank vs Man City. I had my doubts and, unless he clarifies his comments, I won't be changing my mind.

Whatever he thinks personally about Everton, he is still the manager with a duty to create a winning environment. Unfortunately, comments like that just create doubt among players and fans alike.

Mark Andersson
215 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:48:24
Maybe Ronald knows that Moshiri is another Billy Liar who promised him you can build your dream team. When in reality he was brought in to do the same job he was doing at Southampton...

He sees Martinez gets a massive payout for failing and thinks, "Yah, that will do me."

Anthony Dwyer
216 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:54:29
Gerrard claimed Suarez should wait a season and join Barca instead of going to Arsenal, he was the red shites captain at the time.

Maybe Koeman is playing mental games to get Rom to hold out for a top top side as he is probably aware that teams like Spurs, Arsenal and so on are going to be on the look out for a top player to strengthen their Champions League run in January.

I'm still extremely disappointed that Koeman didn't worry about fans backlash, he should be thinking about us and the club's well-being 24-7 365.

A bit embarrassing, if I'm being honest.

Stan Schofield
217 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:55:42
This is just another example of too much talking. Too many press conferences, too many interviews, too much 'analysis'. I'd like there to be less chit-chat, whether it be diplomatic, bull-shit, straight talking, psycho-babble, motivational, or whatever the fuck else, and more effort and action on the pitch.
Eddie Dunn
218 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:56:33
I bet most of the Belgian team know that Lukaku is hoping to move at the end of the season. Presumably, as many of his international teammates pay in the Premier League, it is common knowledge.

If we hope to attract better quality players to the club, does anyone really think that pretending that Rom will be here for longer, as part of a big "project" will convince many players that they will be signing hoping to watch him pointing at parts of the pitch?

We failed to land several transfer targets because we don't have European Football/ are not seen as a top 6 club.

Many younger players and fans weren't even born when we last won the Cup, never mind the '80s.

I know a 27-year-old Saints fan who was absolutely mystified as to why Koeman left them to come to us! I obviously informed him of our history and he shut up, but it is reality.

If we consolidate our steady improvement in the league, and finish higher than last season, and make progress with plans for the new ground, then we may start to look like a more attractive destination, but we will have to be patient.

By the way, I am fucking pig-sick of these international breaks – we always all end up arguing with each other!

Kevin Tully
219 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:57:24
The press conference before the Swansea game should be quite interesting... I'm sure he'll be asked to explain his comments.
Mike Green
220 Posted 09/11/2016 at 23:57:37
On another note, whenever one of these incendiary stories crops up is it not almost exclusively out of the Belgian press? Ignore it, it's too much of a coincidence for them to be anything other than colossal wind-up merchants.
Damian Wilde
221 Posted 10/11/2016 at 00:18:56
What an idiot. Thing is, he is doing a crap job as manager and then goes and says this, just stupid.

I don't particularly like him, has anybody warmed to him? Not too bothered if he goes.

Bobby Thomas
223 Posted 10/11/2016 at 00:29:27
I can't wait till Lukaku leaves and we can get in a more mobile striker with better movement, touch and work ethic, who will offer more options than the static, all about me egomaniac.

And on Koeman, unless he does the business, he will never be allowed to forget this.

After being twatted and winning 1 in 7 he's taking the piss.

John Raftery
224 Posted 10/11/2016 at 00:30:33
The honeymoon period for Koeman has certainly now ended. Interesting that his comments have engendered more vitriol on this site than the 5-0 thumping we received on Saturday.

Personally I don't care what any of the players or management staff say in interviews. What I do care about is what happens on the pitch.

In regard to the latter there is much work to be done to get things right in the coming weeks. How well our manager deals with that challenge will ultimately determine how he is perceived by Moshiri and the fans.

If for example we win three of the next four games, these comments will quickly be forgotten. If however we lose three of the next four, these comments will be used as a footnote in evidence for the prosecution.

Michael Long
225 Posted 10/11/2016 at 01:11:52
To be honest, this just sums up the fucking club right now.

I do think Koeman will do well for us, however, even though I am a fan, he has shot himself in the foot here.

I understand he is a man who knows football inside out due to his successful past. But for man who is earning £6 million a year to try and build Everton players, it is just pure stupidity from him.

The fans are angry as it is after that embarrassing capitulation on Saturday, our own manager comes out and says that, well that puts the cherry on top doesn't it.

He owes us one big time!!

Michael Long
226 Posted 10/11/2016 at 01:15:28
And one other thing – it's just the way Everton is. We got a positive interview from our new shareholder, about the stadium, January and paid off debts. Evertonians think there is something positive... 48 hours later, another kick in the bollocks.
Teddy Bertin
228 Posted 10/11/2016 at 01:22:53
Big contrast to Martinez convincing Romuleu that he would be playing regular Champions League football with us within a few seasons so wouldn't need to move to a top 4 team.

All round, a depressing year this. I've said it before we've got too many players who think they should be playing for the world's richest clubs, when they can't even string 2 or 3 good performances in a row for us. Koeman is now falling into that category too.

I didn't like the way this team gave up on Martinez last season and I don't like the way they're playing or carrying themselves under Koeman.

Comments like this don't help.

Personally I'd clear out all our wingers and strikers and start again. The rest can stay minus Gibson and Cleverley.

This is all made much worse by the fact that the RS have a passionate manager and are playing some great football. Christ, what an awful year.

Nigel Gregson
229 Posted 10/11/2016 at 01:37:17
What a refreshing whiff of fresh air this guy is. So honest, just love him.

Oh wait, Realistic Ron strikes again. Not sure what he's trying to achieve by disrespecting the club to this level. Wasn't the 5-0 thumping enough?

Jay Wood
230 Posted 10/11/2016 at 01:43:36
Just re-visiting this thread after posting a few hours ago @ 151.

Quite clearly – and understandably – most are casting judgement on Koeman's words based on the reductive reports that focus on a very small part of an extensive interview. And I have to say, on that basis, some of the condemnation the manager is receiving is misplaced. It is not as stark as some are making out.

The interview the quotes were lifted from was, in fact, part of a media drive to launch a new (honourable) anti-smoking campaign for which Koeman is an ambassador. Indeed, these following 2 links on the club's official site are part of the launch:

Link

Link

If people had taken the trouble to read the full original interview, they might have saved themselves some grief and chest thumping.

As it is, I now see it has become the subject of a TW poll. I won't cast a vote myself, because the framing of the question doesn't accurately reflect the context in which he was asked, or how he actually responded. Equally, the options offered in the poll are, like many posts in this thread, too black and white.

There is a middle ground one can adopt to Koeman's reported words.

Nicholas Ryan
231 Posted 10/11/2016 at 02:10:14
I know it's totally off-topic, but I thought it might lighten the gloom: It looks like Steven Gerrard's last touch as a professional footballer, will be a penalty saved by Tim Howard!!

[LA Galaxy v Colorado Rapids - MLS Play-off semi final]

John Pierce
232 Posted 10/11/2016 at 02:10:44
Jay, your words are reasonable and fair.

I think the point is – regardless of intent, quoted correctly or not – Koeman is not naive, is well aware he would attract attention.

Perhaps the manager of Everton should be more mindful, but then again I believe "Koeman is Koeman, he does what he wants".

Loko Sanchez
233 Posted 10/11/2016 at 02:17:04
Everyone needs to calm down. Maybe its Koeman's way of attracting the world's best players to Goodison. You know, the international superstars who would like to find a team which would not fulfill their full potential.

Players like Ronaldo who worry about cluttering their house with winners medals. I'm really looking forward to Koeman bringing them in. Great job, RK.
John Pierce
234 Posted 10/11/2016 at 02:34:07
Just to ram it home, every thread that has questioned Koeman to date has given him plenty of slack.

Perhaps the ToffeeWeb base might now treat Koeman with the same honesty he treats the club and the fanbase.

He won't be here long, we can afford to be judgemental.

Steve Carter
235 Posted 10/11/2016 at 02:47:06
Would Shankly, Clough or Ferguson ever have said something like that?
Minik Hansen
236 Posted 10/11/2016 at 03:14:32
"If you love somebody, let them go. If they come back to you, they're yours. If they don't, they never was" – DMX.

Well, imagine every single Everton fan's hands holding on tightly to any player (Lukaku), he will in some way suffocate.

Now imagine hands cheering for him. It will lift his spirit and he will love the fans and the club back. I cheer for him and our manager, they're here, back them up, we're stronger together. COYB NSNO.

Michael Long
237 Posted 10/11/2016 at 03:31:34
One last thing I'd like to mention... why the fuck is it at every international break, people involved with the club mention a move away? I'd expect something like this from Rom himself or Mirallas, but the manager!?

Someone at least must warn players and in this case now the manager (ffs) to keep their mouths shut when away and realise that certain things won't go down well with the fans. Especially after the last few years of pure boredom.

I'd suggest the Echo, but then again I think they're too busy setting up the RedShite's title parade.
Peter Thistle
238 Posted 10/11/2016 at 03:33:58
I'm sure we're all aware that Rom is gone at the end of the season. Maybe Koeman is trying to hype him up to get the maximum amount of cash for him?

Still, a kick in the teeth to Everton fans, especially after the week we've had. The RS on the rise and us being battered by Chelsea and now our own manager... :( Sure is hard being an Evertonian.

Paul Ward
239 Posted 10/11/2016 at 03:59:33
I'm inclined to agree with (Jay Wood #151 & #230) in his assessment of the interview. As usual we have the TW readers hysterical and reactive replies to the the sensationalized versions of the interview by different media groups.

The point made earlier, Koeman is only an employee of the club and is here for 3 years; if some advocate wants to pay his contract out, good luck. As fans we can criticize our team or players but nobody outside our suffering family has the right. Wrong!!

Koeman is an outsider to the club, but is here to do a job and will be gone in 3 years. So let him do that job and try to support him rather than believe the known liars of the press.

Alan J Thompson
240 Posted 10/11/2016 at 04:13:59
Comments early in the season from a couple of sources on Lukaku staying gave me the impression that it has most probably been agreed for this season only.

And did you noticed that after the Chelsea game, and I think in one other, he has covered his mouth while whispering into an opposition player's ear. All this makes me think that, like Stones, he has been promised that he'll be allowed to move, if he wishes, at the end of this season.

Given Koeman's remarks, both on Lukaku and Niasse, he may be totally honest but they are not necessarily the best thought out, most clever or intelligent statements.

Darren Hind
241 Posted 10/11/2016 at 05:37:54
This just gets better and better.

So now we've got the wrong end of the stick because we didn't "take the trouble to read the full original interview" .... says who???

I bet most people did a double take when they read this and instantly investigated – if only to prove to themselves this isn't a mistake. Not many will accept Koemans betrayal simply because it was only part of a boring long winded interview.

The reason the majority (the overwhelming majority judging by the poll to the right of the page) are angry, is that they know they have been shafted by the very person brought in to change the perception that we are no longer a big club. What fucking chance have we got when the guy rubber-stamps it?

Tottenham haven't won a title for well over half a century. Does anybody believe their fans would accept this shite from their manager?

I honestly couldn't imagine things getting any worse after Martinez was fired, but we have a commander in chief who tells us we pulled out of a transfer race because we were worried we were not being fair to an existing under-performer. A manager who tells the players they would be letting themselves down f they stayed here... and fans who are looking for something deep and meaningful about being well and truly shafted.

The rest of football, joyfully led by the Gobshites, are loving this. What the fuck has happened to this club? Is there anything which can be considered unacceptable these days?

Read the last paragraph of post 191. Then read it again.

Jay Woods
242 Posted 10/11/2016 at 06:08:12
I don't agree with Jay Wood at all and personally I can't see how Koeman's position is anything other than untenable. Martinez embarrassed the club with his World Cup antics and deranged post-match narratives, but this takes it to a whole new level. He simply has to go. Let's see how well that looks on his CV.
Dave Ganley
243 Posted 10/11/2016 at 06:29:53
Sorry, Jay (#151, #230), whichever way you look at it and whatever way you interpret his comments, he shouldn't, as manager of this club, be saying that, end of.
Brian Porter
244 Posted 10/11/2016 at 06:38:27
James@ #75, you are not quite correct in your statement "we have no European pedigree at all."

I'm guessing you may be too young to remember 1985, when we defeated Rapid Vienna 3-1 to win the European Cup Winners Cup in the year we also won the league title and were denied a historic treble by a narrow cup final defeat to Man Utd. That, for me and many others, gives us a European pedigree.

That competition was won by teams such as Barcelona, Man Utd, and many of today's other 'big names' and is certainly included in their roll of honour, ie, their European pedigree. Some time ago it may have been, but we're not the only club to have won European silverware some time ago, but there's no need to deny it happened or say it doesn't give us a European pedigree because, for me and many others who witnessed that triumph, it certainly does.

Paul Setter
245 Posted 10/11/2016 at 07:12:37
I didn't want Koeman from the start and I know it's easier to say it now he has opened his gob, but I really didn't. If you look at his managerial CV, and it's not great reading ,9-10 clubs in what, about 15 years... so he clearly likes to fill his bank account then move on to the next victim.

I didn't like Martinez either but at least he bought into our club history etc – just wasn't good enough to move us in right direction. Koeman couldn't be further from the club.

Michael Penley
246 Posted 10/11/2016 at 07:44:29
Send him on his way. That will leave a message, at least. I am totally against such comments from a club we are collectively trying to restore to the top echelons of English football. He's either with us in that project or against us. He clearly doesn't believe in himself to take us there, so why keep him?
Paul Conway
247 Posted 10/11/2016 at 07:53:55
This is simply Koeman's way of saying "I inherited a load of shite, almost impossible to change the whole team. Let them sack me and my quid's in!

They are talking ambition, yet a huge majority want to see a flop like Ross Barkley playing in my team. And when he scores a goal twice in every 23 games they are ecstatic!

"I will show them ambition!"

Paul Conway
248 Posted 10/11/2016 at 08:02:28
Rooney, Arteta, Stones... Lukaku... Gueye...
Paul Tran
249 Posted 10/11/2016 at 08:13:43
Sometimes you think stuff, you know it's true, you might even have evidence... and you know it's best to keep those thoughts to yourself.

A poor error of judgement, particularly from one in a high profile job. It'll be interesting what happens next.

Peter Barry
250 Posted 10/11/2016 at 08:31:34
It's perfectly clear that Koeman's 'heart' is not invested in Everton – just his 'wallet'. He needs to be careful... HIS team's performances are not doing him any favours.
Eugene Ruane
253 Posted 10/11/2016 at 08:36:57
I'm confused, is he a breath of fresh air because he 'tells it like it is' (see TW June/July)?

Or is he a twat who should "JUST GO!!!!"

(Need to know for a tennis ball protest I'm planning...)

Si Murphy
254 Posted 10/11/2016 at 08:41:22
On the plus side, at least Lukaku has kept his mouth shut while away on international duty.

Pity the manager's stepped in to occupy that void. Idiot!

Les Green
255 Posted 10/11/2016 at 08:46:28
I don't know what the fuss is because he was never staying. Yes, he'll be hard to replace, but he'll be hard to replace if he goes next summer or the one after that.

He was only giving it another year so why not be honest about it? This way we get him scoring for us before he goes which also puts his price up. Any longer and his contract will run down and reduce his price anyway.

Chris Williams
256 Posted 10/11/2016 at 08:50:17
I'm sure at some point he will be asked about his comments in interview. We'll see what he has to say then. I don't think he seems like a man to offer a dead bat or to be bothered what others may think for that matter.
Kevin Rowlands
257 Posted 10/11/2016 at 08:59:12
It wouldn't suprise me one little bit if Koeman DOESN'T rate Lukaku that highly and this is just spin to try and get the best possible price. I won't go on about Lukaku's limitations as a footballer, and there are many, but not a fucking chance he is or will be ever good enough to play for Barcelona.

The sooner he's gone from Everton, the betterk so this never ending soap opera does come to a close and we can move on as a team and club.

Trevor Peers
258 Posted 10/11/2016 at 09:08:33
Personally I think Lukaku and Everton are a good match; he wouldn't get much game time at a top European club because his all-round game is a bit limited. Technically he's very average, but he does score goals if you build the team round him.

So why Koeman came out with that crock of shite is beyond comprehension, especially after a 5-0 humiliation.

Ray Robinson
259 Posted 10/11/2016 at 09:27:42
I agree with Peter Barry. It was a stupid thing for Koeman to say and seems to illustrate that he too will be off as soon as a "better" opportunity comes along.

Koeman's assessment of Lukaku seems to be way off beam anyway. Play for Barcelona? If they change their playing style completely, maybe – just maybe, but could you imagine a relatively immobile Lukaku in a Suarez, Messi, Neymar type formation – all whom interlink, control the ball instantly, and are deadly finishers? No, me neither. Crass and unnecessary comment.

Mark Andrews
260 Posted 10/11/2016 at 09:29:20
For years we've been a mediocre, mid table team, lacking courage and ambition. But when Koeman arrived I thought this would change.

Now, it seems that he's settled in nicely to "The Everton Way".

Tim Sharpe
261 Posted 10/11/2016 at 09:32:48
Could this be that he is trying to say to Romelu to buck his ideas up, and maybe he can play for Barca, but keep playing the way you are and you'll get nowhere near one of europes 'elite'

We are years, and probably 95% of a squad away from getting to the ranks of Barca, Real Madrid etc. Probably longer than Lukaku has left playing, and wanting to move to a more glamorous, and probably better paying job is simply a human trait.

If you work for Company X and a more successful and glamorous Company Y comes in offering to double your money, and a free flashy car in a trendy location who here would genuine say "Nah, I'm good here with My Skoda"?

The players are employees, and humans so aspiring to move on and up (By their perception) is natural.

The timing of the comments is appalling, and there is probably some element of 'lost in translation'.

Bigger picture, is Koeman saying "Play better if you want to move?" – just not saying it very well?

Brian Harrison
262 Posted 10/11/2016 at 09:33:26
I just can't understand why he has said this. Yes, we all know that Lukaku will be off probably this summer. But what was Koeman thinking did he mean to say he will be good enough one day to play for Barcelona.

I wanted Koeman when we sacked Martinez and surely he must be well aware of the negative impact this statement will have on our fans. He has certainly endorsed why Sissoko signed for a bigger club. I wonder how he will be able to convince other players to sign for us if other clubs like Champions Leicester are in the hunt.

I think Koeman needs to clarify this statement very quickly otherwise I can see a lot of fans turning against him. And believe me he doesnt want or need that and neither does the team at present. Goodison can be a very bleak place for a manager who has lost the fans.

Phil Walling
263 Posted 10/11/2016 at 09:34:25
I'm quite sure that Koeman will not give a stuff if some Journo informs him – either in print or face to face – that he has offended Evertonians with his remarks on Lukaku.

Moshiri has told us this week that the manager's priority is to win football matches (surprise, surprise!) and, on reflection, I believe this thread would extend to no more than a dozen posts were he on a run of success rather than a run to nowhere.

We are a fickle lot, us loyal Blues!

Ray Roche
264 Posted 10/11/2016 at 09:50:42
There are times when I think we'd be much better if Lukaku just went, and if he went for silly money, the sooner the better.

Providing we could bring in two or three top players, or players like Gana, diamonds waiting to be discovered; forwards, attacking midfielders, who could each chip in with 7 or 8 goals a season, thus sharing the goals around and have us not being so reliant on Lukaku. If he gets injured, we are royally stuffed.

Frank Wade
265 Posted 10/11/2016 at 09:54:42
Whilst like many others I have grave doubts about RKoeman as a manager, I think the key phrase is "I think he can still contribute more defensively."

Unfortunately for us, Lukaku's defensive contribution against Chelsea was near to zero. He has shown that he can score goals and we would find his goals hard to replace. If we are to compete in this new high octane Premier League, we can't afford that.

MotD did a piece on Costa's movement for Chelsea in the previous match. A huge contrast and he still has the strength and speed to contribute when chances arise.

I see this as another push by Koeman to get Lukaku working harder and not just talking about working harder. Offering the carrot of a move to Barcelona, if he made a decent pressing contribution when the opposition back 2 or 3 are passing about and looking for a pass. Luiz, Cahill and Azpilicueta had an armchair ride last Saturday.

At the moment, he is a million miles away from being a Barcelona player and most probably will never be. If I were Koeman, I would sit Lukaku down with footage of Suarez and Costa working off the ball and explain that this is what is needed to be a top player.

Brian Harrison
266 Posted 10/11/2016 at 10:02:53
Phil,

This thread has nothing to do with fans being fickle or not, it's about a manager making unnecessary comments to the press. What was to be gained by making these comments, and if your right that he wont give a stuff what the fans think then he shouldn't be managing our club.

Because if fans turn on the manager the end result is the manager gets the sack. So, if he really has aspirations of managing at Barca, I suggest he better get Everton into the top 4-6 very quickly – otherwise, his chances of managing Barca will be none.

Liam Reilly
267 Posted 10/11/2016 at 10:17:34
Next up: Kloop says that "Couthino could play for Barcelona in the future".

Never going to happen as it would be disrespectful to the club.

Jim Harrison
269 Posted 10/11/2016 at 10:26:37
Everybody commenting should read Jay Wood's post at 151, and if there is a dutch speaker please confirm what he has said.

If what Jay interprets is the true gist of the story then it seems a fair comment.

Even so, its the truth. Simple. There maybe a time when Everton do regain their status as a power house of British football, but it probably wont be during Lukaku's career. As Moshiri said the other day, it is no longer possible to do what Man City and Chelsea have done due to FFP.

For Everton to become successful the new stadium needs building and the revenue needs increasing to be able to furnish the team with players like Lukaku throughout. It ain't going to happen quick. For Rom to meet his full potential he needs to be playing in a team with the best players. RK cites Barca as the team and I would say that he has unquestionably selected the best team in Europe there.

Using Suarez as an example, he went from being a good player at Liverpool to being an outstanding one at Barca, able to hold his own in probably the best attacking trio in world football. He has better players around him for sure, but his game has also improved.

Now, as someone else has said, Rom wouldn't displace any of those guys yet, but in five years time Messi and Suarez will be approaching the latter end of their careers and Rom will be in the prime of his. In five years time will Everton be looking at bringing Neymar in to support him?

So unpleasant as it is, Koeman is correct. But if Jay is right with his translation he is also saying that he could have a successful career at Everton ..just not as successful as the one he could have if he joined a real top team. Say it as it is.

Another point on this, I know no one likes the sell to buy model, but if FFP is going to limit what the club can do in the transfer market to money brought in plus a bit more it makes sense that he will be flogged eventually. We are not going to earn £60 million in additional revenue anytime soon. The team need more goals throughout, and as we can all see there is no back up should Rom get injured.

If he gets sold, and Moshiri is able to bung some extra in the kitty from the TV money there is a possibility to improve the balance of the squad. If he stays its great, we have a good striker, as long as he stays fit, But all our eggs are in one basket.

Jay Woods
270 Posted 10/11/2016 at 10:39:16
Stop trying to rationalise it and see it for what it is.

Koeman is employed to elevate the club to a level that he has just admitted the club will not attain.

So... why is he still employed by the club?

Laurie Hartley
272 Posted 10/11/2016 at 10:43:33
There are some very humourous comments on this thread which have lifted my mood. Jamie Sweet (#204) got me chuckling with this one:

"Ronald strikes me as the kind of guy who would actually tell his wife her arse looks a bit big."

(That's what I was trying to say – I wish I had have been able to put so eloquently.)

But, for me, Eddie Dunne (#218) takes the prize with this part of his post – it really put a smile on my dial.

"By the way, I am fucking pig-sick of these international breaks – we always all end up arguing with each other!"

I agree Eddie.

David Connor
273 Posted 10/11/2016 at 10:44:39
When Moshiri said Ronald does what he wants, I am quite sure he didn't want him to say whatever he wants. He should be given a real kick up the arse for these comments as he has dropped a real clanger with the vast majority of Everton fans with these stupid comments.

We all realise the fact that Lukaku may well be on the move next season but to come out with these quotes is madness. I really don't think he realises how big a club he is managing here.

He may have been a great player in his day but what a stupid prick he must be to disrespect the club and fans in such a way. Ronald has a lot of bridge building to do with the fans now as we all realise he wont be wit us for the long haul.

It wouldn't bother me either way if Moshiri sacked the stupid Dutch prick today. The guy isn't exactly setting the place on fire at the minute.

Granted this is a mainly Martinez squad and not Koeman's. But Moshiri and Kenwright must have strong words with him and tell him to keep them sort of thoughts to himself or they will terminate his contract. Over to you, Ronald, you dumb fucker...

Martin Nicholls
274 Posted 10/11/2016 at 10:47:37
Steve (#235) – why bring Shankly, Ferguson and Clough into it? EFC have great past managers of their own, the Catt and the great Howard Kendall, who would not have disrespected us and our Club in this way.
Peter Roberts
275 Posted 10/11/2016 at 11:10:22
First off – Is Lukaku good enough to play for Barcelona? – NO. Will he ever be good enough to play for Barcelona? – NO.

Straight away I have concerns with the managers judgement of a player. Lukaku as we seen with Martinez needs the stick – not carrot.

Koeman was at the game last night and will have seen Lukaku swing his right peg from 6 yards and miss the ball – not for the first time we have seen the lad miss a sitter from yards out with his swinger.

This isn't about Lukaku though – this is about a man who is employed to make us great again . does devaluing the brand do that? absolutely not.

Anyone who thinks what he came out with was good old honesty needs to cast their minds back to the transfer window. Meltdowns galore all because we didn't spend £150m on players – where was "our statement of intent"... Roll on a few months and all of a sudden its ok for our manager to imply we are too small to keep a player?

If you accept what Koeman has said as "honesty" then you deserve to support a club that hasn't won a trophy in over 20 years.

Me? – I would haul him over the coals for this and tell him where the door is if he isn't up to the challenge that his mega salary is supposed to justify.

John Daley
276 Posted 10/11/2016 at 11:12:26
"Romelu will not have made the most of his career if he plays for Everton for the remainder of his career."

The sensationalism in that particular statement comes solely from the Everton manager, not the "liars of the press".

They didn't put the words in his mouth, manufacture or rejig them.

That they were offered up as an answer to a question posed doesn't alter the sentiment behind, nor the sting inherent in, those words.

The fact the interview was more wide ranging than 'what will Rom do?' and part of a well intentioned 'toss the tabs away you tit' campaign is totally irrelevant.

Moyes was (rightly in my opinion) lambasted for retrospectively stating that, when Everton manager, he could never have stood in the way of any player who wanted to better themselves and basically would always do what was right for the player's career rather than the club's prospects.

Koeman has now taken it a step further by publicly telling a player he should look to move elsewhere to make the most of his career, while still in charge... scratch that... after not even being six months into "a big project" he signed up to spearhead on the basis of the club impressing him with their new "ambition" to get to the top.

Guess those many great managers who came out with crap like 'no player is bigger than the club' over the years, have all been barking up the wrong tree. They were just never blessed enough to get a good look at Lukaku. A player whose massive potential dwarfs the long history of his puny club, even though he can't prevent the ball oddly cannoning off his shin like hot gravel ricocheting off an old hag at a witch trial half the time.

"Koeman is here to do a job. So let him do that job and try to support him"? He's not even supporting himself if he's confirming it's a no-goer no sooner than it's begun.

Tony Draper
277 Posted 10/11/2016 at 11:12:27
Dave @243.
Spot on, mate!

And to illustrate Dave's excellent point, I offer some dialogue from a workplace disciplinary procedure, which I took part in some years ago ...
What follows is entirely factual, only the details have been changed.

HR Representative: "You called your Supervisor a dickhead to her face, is that correct?"
Worker: "Well, I thought that she was a dickhead and spoke honestly. I did say that she was a dickhead."
HR Representative: "Thanks for your honesty. Would you be prepared to apologise to her here and now for the offense she suffered ?"
Worker: "Yes. I am sorry that you were offended."
Supervisor: "Thank you, I accept your apology."
HR Representative: "We do understand that in the moment we cannot always control what we think. However, saying it aloud is quite different. Is that clear?"
Worker: "Yes. Yes, it is quite clear that I will always think that she is a dickhead. But I have no control over that. Thank you."

Brian Furey
278 Posted 10/11/2016 at 11:30:18
I think Koeman is a bit like van Gael in the way he communicates in that he often comes out with the wrong thing or he knows what he wants to say but doesn't think how could this be interpreted by others.

Part of me thinks he wanted to give Lukaku great praise to his own national media and wanted to compare him to Kluivert. I suppose Ron himself made the big move to Barca and that's what he wanted to say that Rom is good enough to make it there SOME DAY.

However, his Dutch insensitivity I think led him to say too much and by doing so made it sound like Everton were a small club with not much European history. I think his tendency to speak his mind too freely will lead him into awkward situations like that.

It's one thing for some of us on here to say things like Rooney & Co. were right to move on so they could forward their career as they were not going to win anything with us, but for the club's manager to say it, is a totally different thing. I hope Moshiri or even Bill was onto the phone to him asking him to explain himself.

Stephen Jones
279 Posted 10/11/2016 at 11:35:39
Stephen (#46),

I can confirm our owner Moshiri thinks Ronnie has done nothing wrong??? As he has apparently just texted his best friend Jim White on TalkSport and has said that it's just a manager-player thing.

White is asking what Everton fans think about managers comments; no callers yet. They should just log onto Everton forums – that will give them the answer.

Mark Rimmer
280 Posted 10/11/2016 at 11:38:27
Very disrespectful to the club, more so to the fans. It's true to say he wouldn't get away with saying that at Man Utd, Liverpool etc, but will there be a backlash from Everton? Probably not.

It's a damn shame and he already knows this. His mentality is we're lucky to have him, so suck it up, the response from Everton should be interesting.

Also, all that talk of Lukaku to Barcelona and being too big for us, that's bollocks – he's referring to himself.

Geoff Williams
281 Posted 10/11/2016 at 11:46:40
Everton isn't a big club and hasn't been one for years BUT there was an expectation at the beginning of the season that, with a new owner, a new manager and the prospect of a new stadium that we were about to start on the road to a great future.

I have been very disappointed with Koeman as a manager. There has been no discernible improvement on the pitch. He publicly humiliated Barkley and now he's said Lukaku will need to move on to fulfil his potential.

I want a manager who will sell the vision of Everton becoming a great club again with an iconic stadium on the banks of the Merseyside. He needs to start using words such as 'us' and 'we' instead of 'Everton'.

Paul Newton
282 Posted 10/11/2016 at 12:03:16
You only have to look at the number of responses to this thread to see the anger his statement has caused. It is not the sort of thing any Everton manager should say and confirms the idea that Koeman is not attached to the club as anything more than a stepping stone to 'greater' things.

The only hope is that he has to do well in order to get what he wants.

Lee Preston
283 Posted 10/11/2016 at 12:08:32
It seems we need a psychology degree to support Everton these days, as everything that's said has an alternative or hidden meaning. Perhaps, just maybe, Ron was asked a question and gave his honest response, no hidden meaning, no bullshit, just what he thought.

Ordinarily, this would be fine, but when it belittles our club (the club that he represents), then it's not really on. I'm absolutely fine with him bigging up Rom, saying he could go on to play for a Barcelona, but why the sly dig with the put down of Everton? Ill-advised to say the least.

To pundits, players, managers and other fans, we may not be a big club, but to our own fans, we are the only club!

Frank Crewe
284 Posted 10/11/2016 at 12:15:31
Lukaku play for Barca? Yeah right. Check out this sitter he missed last night.

http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/videos/246510/fail-romelu-lukaku-misses-glaring-sitter-as-belgium-squeak-1-1-draw-against-the-netherlands-video.html

I think Barca can and no doubt will do better than sign Rom. I would also point out that Messi and Suarez are both 29 and Neymar is only 24. Still a few years in those guys yet.

Hywel Owen
285 Posted 10/11/2016 at 12:26:05
Quite simply, if that's what Ronald Koeman thinks of our club then he should GET OUT now – if he doesn't go of his own accord, then he should be sacked for gross misconduct.
Bill Gienapp
286 Posted 10/11/2016 at 12:35:11
People have every right to feel a bit miffed by these comments, but this notion that Koeman should be sacked on the spot is nonsense.

Martinez pledged his undying fealty to Everton, claimed he'd fallen in love with the club and he bled blue, and he was soundly mocked.

Now people are up in arms because Koeman is approaching this as an actual job? Welcome to football. You think Pep's heart bled for Bayern Munich? He basically said "I signed a three-year contract, then see ya later."

I don't mind Koeman using us as a stepping stone one whit, if he delivers results – it's designed to be a mutually beneficial relationship. And if he lays the groundwork for success, then we can attract another top manager to build on what he left behind. That's the idea, anyway.

Craig Walker
287 Posted 10/11/2016 at 12:35:51
I wish people would stop massaging Lukaku's ego. He isn't half as good as he thinks he is. Unfortunately he's the only goal threat we possess and that needs addressing in January.
Stan Schofield
288 Posted 10/11/2016 at 12:39:57
Just a suggestion: Make judgements only on performance on the pitch, and ignore all the waffle from managers and players.
Andrew Clare
289 Posted 10/11/2016 at 12:55:33
I haven't read all of the comments but I must admit to being very disappointed by Koeman's remarks.

It's probably sacrilege to say this but what we want is a Shankly type manager. An inspirational character. Having said that, I'm not sure if that approach would work with modern multi millionaire footballers. We do need someone who believes anything is possible.

What's so sad is that because we have been in the doldrums for so long we are just regarded as a mid table club. Who never challenge for anything. We think we are a big club but no-one else does, especially anyone under the age of 40.

Raymond Fox
290 Posted 10/11/2016 at 13:04:57
I've commented earlier about Koeman being a very poor public relations person for the club; first Niasse and now this!

He talks of Lukaku leaving us, whats the solution, we need the board to take a chance for once and buy 2 or 3 special players. We would also have to pay them silly money I know, but its the only way we can attract them to Goodison at this time. We will not break out of this cycle of being second best, by buying second class players.

Maybe professionals inside the game would take us seriously if we made a very big splash in the transfer market instead of viewing us as just making up the numbers.

You never know, players such as Lukaku may even want to stay if we can positively show that we have big ambitions.

George Cumiskey
291 Posted 10/11/2016 at 13:05:35
It doesn't matter what Koeman says to the press – it's what he gets his team's to do on the pitch that counts.

If he doesn't come up with a lot better performances than the rubbish they served up at Chelsea then he will be in trouble for the right reasons – not some alleged crap he spouted to a foreign newspaper!

Habib Erkan Jr.
292 Posted 10/11/2016 at 13:14:55
So sick of supporters' hypocrisy. When the gaffer gives his assessment of a poor performance by the side its "Oh how refreshing to have an honest manager who is not afraid to speak the truth.” But when he says something that it is not well received people are ready to sack him.

The truth is, if Moshiri does everything he promises Lukaku will be in the twilight of his career before Everton can be spoken in the same breathe as the likes of Barca. What Ron can do is make wise purchases with the Lukaku money so we have a more balance squad that can legitimately be considered perennial euro contenders.

Brent Stephens
293 Posted 10/11/2016 at 13:24:55
Raymond #290 (290 posts already! a record?) I too would like us to splash out to sign a few "special" players – but at the moment I just can't see them being attracted to us.

There is something about the other argument on here that we should just judge Koeman on his results. But he didn't do himself any favours. And when things get difficult on the pitch he's less likely to get an easy ride. And then dissatisfaction can rub off onto the players who will also feel under the cosh. It all does our chances of performing well no good.

Phillip Warrington
294 Posted 10/11/2016 at 13:38:06
Wow! – and I thought Koeman was going to make Everton the next Barca.

It just shows Everton are no more than a stepping stone in his career. Hence the buying of over-priced ageing players that give you at least mid-table, rather than youthful players who can give you trophies.

Drew O'Neall
295 Posted 10/11/2016 at 13:45:51
Demonstrates a lack of ambition for, or long term alignment with, Everton FC.

Shows all that spiel about the Chairman making him realise what a special club this is sound (even more) like a rather patronising load of old pony.

What a silly boy.

Jay Wood
297 Posted 10/11/2016 at 13:51:37
Right. So posters who take a more balanced position on this, who took the time to seek out and review the full article the 'offending' words were lifted from before commenting, shouldn't try to 'rationalize this and should see it for what it is,' says my doppelganger Jay WoodS.

You mean ... see it as YOU see it Jay...?

Well, if it's all right with you Jay (and others), I prefer to take a more considered approach rather than react with knee-jerk indignation to comments from public figures or information that interests me.

It's served me pretty well down the years to question the beliefs and interpretations of others on different issues and has, for example, put me in the minority that opposed Brexit and would not have voted for Trump (nor Clinton, for that matter...).

It won't be the first time and I hope it won't be the last time I find myself in the minority on an issue. And I'm quite happy and comfortable to be so. Never been one to run with the herd.

I've offered a reasoned and reasonable explanation on Koeman's words, whilst also acknowledging and understanding why and how others have reacted so vehemently to them, as was my own initial reaction before I chose to dig deepeer.

Whadya gonna do? Incite a Second Amendment whacko to shoot me?

Drew O'Neall
298 Posted 10/11/2016 at 13:51:40
Unless he's making room for Rooney plus reinforcements...
Raymond Fox
299 Posted 10/11/2016 at 14:10:19
Brent (#293), what's this: "290 posts already! a record?" — a coded message.

I too have doubts about attracting the top players, but we'll tread water for ever if we don't push the boat out and try harder.

Scott Hall
300 Posted 10/11/2016 at 14:17:02
For what it's worth, I think Koeman's words have been taken out of context a little. He's suggesting that Lukaku has the potential to make it to the very top. The only club he namechecks is Barcelona and let's be honest, that's a step-up from Everton. So no harm there, he's talking up a players potential and suggesting he has the ability to play at the top.

BUT, and it's a big but... He should be more professional than to even get caught out talking about this subject and going into the level of detail that would allow his statements to be taken out of context. A simple statement would have sufficed:

"Romelu is an Everton player and we've assured him that he can achieve trophies and European football with us. He's part of a very big and very exciting project and we intend him to remain a part of it."

Once again the Everton PR team prepare to fail by failing to prepare. Koeman should have gone through stringent media training as part of this new era of Everton. We do not allow ourselves to be talked down anymore.

Nathan Rooney
302 Posted 10/11/2016 at 14:29:29
I have read the full interview, as I initially thought, “Here we go, usual international break nonsense, Belgian source = must be a load of bollocks!”

I'm afraid I am getting more and more pissed off with what this fella has said, and it most certainly isn't a misquote / some kind of psychological gee-up for Rom or A N Other daft as funk theory that some people previous on the thread have come out with.

I also don't give two shiny shites if this is the “truth” or a fair assessment of our club currently. I do not and will never want to see or hear any Everton Manager talking us down, belittling the club, selling us short etc.! We get enough brickbats from every other gobshite out there!

Where's the man's aspiration to make us great again? What kind of message are we sending to potential new recruits? It actually beggars belief that he thinks it is acceptable to spout this shite to the press!

This is up there with, and probably worse than, the dour one's "knife to a gunfight" bollocks.

This is a massive own goal for Koeman, and I am not sure I will be able to easily forgive or forget. It will be interesting to see how he responds to questions regarding this, as he is sure to be asked, and if he can in any way redeem this sorry episode.

Is it not easier to have just said, "If the big lazy useless twonk keeps scoring the goals he will fulfil all his potential and ambitions with US at Everton!”

Paul Kossoff
303 Posted 10/11/2016 at 14:40:10
Moshiri should drag him in to the office and give him a bollocking, tell him that while he's the manager of Everton, 'on £6 million a year', that it's his job to tell everyone that Everton, have been and will be again one of the big clubs in football, and if he doesn't believe that, ' which I don't think he does, tell him to fuck off. We have enough snipers ready to put a bullet in our backs without our own manager discrediting us.

"Romelu will not have made the most of his career if he plays for Everton for the remainder of his career." said our much lorded manager, could you ever imagine 'any' Liverpool manager saying that about a player?

Lukaku is only to ready and willing to say that he wants to go to a bigger club, well I can't wait to see the back of both of them, as Koeman seems to be here for a short time, going on his attitude and not having seemed to have improved the team to any great extent, and Lukaku has not improved at all.

The manager's job is to gel the team together, not fracture it by saying certain players are better off elsewhere. Koeman has lost what little respect and confidence I had of him after saying this, what a prat.

Paul Kossoff
304 Posted 10/11/2016 at 15:10:29
Paul (#49), 'Why should Koeman have any affinity with the club?' – Your right, why should anyone respect a business that pays them £6 million a year?

It's not like it's his job to be an ambassador for us, or to put us in the minds of possible transfer targets, or let the world's press know what a fantastic opportunity it is at Everton, or make global brands fall over themselves to give us millions.

Why should this over-rated coach have an affinity with Everton? Because, with all due respect, he's the fucking manager – that's why.

John Pierce
305 Posted 10/11/2016 at 15:23:25
The cycnic in me is eyeing the December fixture list and trying to get into Koeman's head.

"Fuck, United, Liverpool & Arsenal with this pile of crap. Time to do one, lets mouth off and pave the way for my exit."

It's gonna be a blue Xmas, a New Year looking for a departed manager.

Rob Dolby
306 Posted 10/11/2016 at 15:27:27
Totally nonplussed by the comments from Koeman. I don't ever recall hearing an Everton manager belittling the club so much.

We all know the score and as much as it hurts we aren't a rich fashionable club anymore and haven't been since the mid eighties. If the manager has that attitude, however, realistic he should keep it to himself even though the truth hurts.

Like most new managers we have afforded Koeman a lot of respect, in return he has delivered us a humiliating kick in the balls. We already know that the club are on course for yet another mid table finish and only have the FA Cup to play for.

I would welcome the appointment of Unsworth as the new boss and dismiss Koeman with immediate effect. I am proud to be a fan of one of the oldest, greatest clubs in the land; we don't need a manager who puts the boot in on us.

Des Farren
307 Posted 10/11/2016 at 15:28:08
We have an appetite for self delusion on here that is simply staggering. Koeman is stating the obvious when he says Lukaku will move to better himself. Everton is not a big club. It is not a small club either but has no European pedigree despite one ECWC success.

Koeman will also move on to better things if he brings success to Everton.The city of Liverpool is a backwater compared to Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Rome etc.etc.

We must start to grow up and stop being so small-minded that a perceived slight can lead to threads like this one.
Paul Kossoff
308 Posted 10/11/2016 at 15:30:43
Patrick (#60), well said.

I to find it hard to believe that Koemans comments are actually really positive towards Everton and the fans, and that somehow his statement was made to actually 'improve' our chances of attracting better players to our club, in fact Koeman, in an outer-galactic, Star Treky, Captain Kirk way is, saying something that only mister Spock would – 'in his Vulcan, ideological brain understand,' actually mean that he wants Lukaku to stay and by making these comments bring in world class players.

Isn't it amazing Patrick how the human mind works, if only we were all tuned into his ethos. Oh so much to learn and so little time, 'he said, sarcastically'.

Stan Schofield
309 Posted 10/11/2016 at 15:31:23
Paul, spot on. Whatever the amount he's being paid, he should promote our best interests. It's possible that what he's done does indeed promote our best interests, but if so it's lost on me (and a lot of others, judging by the above posts).

As I said earlier, I'd like him to focus on maximising performance on the pitch, and I can't see that all the talking he does can help this, but I could be wrong.

Loko Sanchez
310 Posted 10/11/2016 at 16:29:40
Koeman has not yet been able to motivate the squad. I reckon, with the comments he made, I wouldn't be surprised if we lose the next 5 fixtures.

Stop the rot now. Bring a manager who wants to be here. All the warning signs were clear even before he was hired.

If they hired me to manage Everton, I would take the first bus to Goodison. What did Koeman do? He went on a holiday. Brilliant!

Paul Kossoff
311 Posted 10/11/2016 at 16:33:58
Now this is getting beyond a joke, here are two statements from two Evertonians, who really shouldn't be making them.

George McKane, a founding member of the Everton Supporters' Trust, said Koeman is acting in Everton's best interests.

"It makes a pleasant change for someone to tell the truth," he told BBC Sport.

"What he's saying is what a lot of Evertonians are thinking." Really?

McKane said Dutchman Koeman's comments on Lukaku, who reportedly handed in a transfer request this summer, could be aimed at raising the Belgium international's price.

Dave Kelly, chairman of supporters' group Blue Union, said Lukaku is not yet at the level of a Champions League striker, but that more Everton players should be trying to attract the interest of Europe's top sides. Say what???

"He should have ambition. Why should Romelu Lukaku have any responsibility to stay at Everton? He's not an Evertonian," Kelly said. £70,000 a week, five year contract, being taken from no chance at Chelsea, and sub at WBA would bring at least a little bit of responsibility, and make him an Evertonian at least for his stay, wouldn't you think, Mr Kelly?

It gets better.

"I would love him to stay, but every player has his price. It's unfortunate that more of our players are not getting looked at by the European leagues." WTF?

There needs to be a statement of intent from our owner, that if clubs want to buy our players it will be on our terms and for top dollar. Beyond belief, anyone else want to take a snipe at Everton, get in line because there seems to be one forming.

James Doran
313 Posted 10/11/2016 at 17:26:01
Blind loyalty?

https://twitter.com/livechoefc/status/796711223198973953

Anthony Hughes
315 Posted 10/11/2016 at 18:00:04
There's some decidedly strange Everton fans out there.
Brent Stephens
316 Posted 10/11/2016 at 18:06:03
Paul #311 "statements from two Evertonians, who really shouldn't be making them".

Paul, while I don't necessarily agree with George and Dave, it's a bit rich for somebody to say they shouldn't be able to state their views. Ironic that you should give their views the "oxygen of publicity"!

George McKane
317 Posted 10/11/2016 at 18:35:25
Hello Paul,

The BBC rang me and asked "my" opinion – I told them I couldn't speak for Evertonians as I had not asked them their opinion but I did say there was a "mix' of opinions that I had read off sites such as TW, with some saying he was right and some saying it was wrong.

This is pretty much what has been said on TW -– some say he is already trying to up the price when Lukaku is seemingly sold at the end of this season and some saying he was totally wrong.

I also mentioned at length how "mercenary" football was now days and that there was little loyalty in football anywhere and that Everton had won trophies in the past with home-based managers and players; of course I said that football is different now and had not been invented by Sky.

I also went on and said that anyone should be entitled to say what they want to – it is football and, unlike Shankly, I do not believe it is more important than life or whatever that stupid quote was... and that is the nature of free speech.

How much of what I said got onto the BBC, I don't know – haven't heard it... but (and it is a big 'but') I have the right to say whatever I wish and you and everybody of course has the right to totally disagree with my every word. I do not need you to tell me what statements I should or should not be making.

You can make any statement you like – you are welcome and have the total right to do so, and I can agree, disagree, vehemently oppose what you say or completely side with you. That's my right.

So continue to tell me what I can say or not say – you are free to do so... thank goodness.

If you want my opinion on this situation, it is that I couldn't really care less if Koeman or Lukaku are at Goodison tomorrow or the day after or the next game... but I know I will be and I guess you will.

Cosmic grooves all the way.

Jack Convery
318 Posted 10/11/2016 at 18:49:57
Koeman's first line of his application letter to Barca. Maybe he thinks the current Barca manager will be out at the end of this season if he fails to win the Champions League? After all, Koeman buys into Barca.
Richard Leeming-McHale
319 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:20:02
Arrgghh, this is ridiculous! Can he hope to get away with this without a serious heartfelt apology and some attempt at an explanation??
Paul Kossoff
320 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:23:54
George (#317), I wouldn't dream of telling you what to say, as you said we are all entitled to our opinions so long as we aren't being over the top nasty. I am upset that Koenan has said these things, and upset that some are okay with it.

As far as you said about not caring if the both of them are gone tomorrow, I agree, I couldn't care less if most of this team left, as I believe that they really couldn't give a toss about our club, but I do care passionately for Everton.

But I do think that any player or manager that signs for us should at least have the decency to respect this club and its fans; even if they don't care, at least they should pretend that they do.

Eugene Ruane
321 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:24:03
George (#317) – I fear there are too many shades of grey in your response to convince TW's many lovers of 'Black or fucking white? COME ON!!'

And as you know, once a monster is loose here... Link

But c'est la vie –as they say in French Guyana.

Paul Kossoff
322 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:28:31
Brent, I didn't mean they shouldn't make statements about Everton. I disagree with the statements they made.
Brent Stephens
323 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:32:48
Paul, ok fair enough, if that's what you meant. Cheers, mate.
Paul Kossoff
324 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:32:57
Eugene 321, good clip, but who is the monster at Everton and who is the creator?
Paul Kossoff
325 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:34:41
Ta Brent, just don't shout at me, I've a headache as it is with supporting Everton .
Brent Stephens
326 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:42:07
Headache, schmheadache – you sound like my wife, Paul!
George McKane
327 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:46:25
Paul,

No matter what else we are we are, Evertonians – sad, sorry and sensitive, living on the tightrope too long – the problem of course is that I, like I guess Koeman and Lukaku, am in the media quite a lot – and I am fully aware that they can always misquote or take your quotes out of context.

I spoke with the young guy at BBC, I asked him his age: 28, he said; I asked if he knew who the 4th most successful team in English football was... He didn't know. I told him it was Everton.

I also said, as an Evertonian, I was talking to him from the ledge on a 22-story building – that's where we live, I said. I spoke with him for about 15 to 20 minutes and I would be surprised, not shocked, if 15 to 20 seconds of what I said went out.

We know this is what happens but still I quite like talking to the media and I fully realise that they can mess you around.

I agree about most players leave but we –that's me and you and all True Blues – we go to support OUR Club.

Keep cool and be nice to meet up for a real chat and a pint and a good moan about the sate of football and the role the media play in creating that situation.

Up The Blues.

Paul Kossoff
328 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:47:32
Oy gavalt Brent, enough mit the arguments already!!! 😁
Patrick Murphy
329 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:49:12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGIY5Vyj4YM
James Flynn
330 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:51:22
Eugene (#195) – A fine needle, subtly inserted.

Cap doffed, sir.

Paul Kossoff
331 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:51:49
George (#327), ta, and yes, we are all True Blues no matter who plays or what division we are in.

I just hope, you being a Blue, that you never thought of jumping off that building – you know you would only make a nasty impression on the side walk. 😇

George McKane
332 Posted 10/11/2016 at 20:01:48
I live in New Brighton now in an old 3-storey Victorian House and I can see the roof of Goodison from my top window.

Peace love and harmony to All Blues (and of course up your RS).

Eugene Ruane
333 Posted 10/11/2016 at 20:53:45
Paul - 'Eugene (#321), good clip, but who is the monster at Everton and who is the creator?'

The monster changes from thread to thread, post to post, day to day, but is usually created by the same mob (so 'monster' = anyone who won't go along with what is often just shouty, ill-informed venting).

Funny thing about the mob that chased Frankestein's creation, never once did any of them say "Yeah, okay, his creation is big and scary but he's the first person EVER to create life from dead tissue — that is fucking incredible!"

It was usually just "Look, something that scares me! Get your torches and let's chase it and burn it!"

(Not an unsuccessful strategy by the way, worked beautifully for Farage and Trump.)

Tony Draper
334 Posted 10/11/2016 at 20:56:55
Jay @297:

1) Thanks for your links to the article quoting Ronald Koeman, much appreciated.

2) I read it translated into English.

3) I used another translation into English and also read that.

4) I find there is no daylight betwixt Lyndon's original reportage and Koeman's words in the original article.

5) You have done a sterling job in attempting to persuade us all that there is a flipside to Ronnie's words.

6) I, personally, cannot see just how Koeman is misinterpreted, misquoted, or misunderstood by the overwhelming majority of posters here.

7) Koeman's remarks do NOT promote or display respect for Everton Football Club, it's fans or owners.

8) "Inside the tent, pissing out? Or outside pissing in? But never inside taking the piss!"

Tony Abrahams
335 Posted 10/11/2016 at 21:26:22
John (#305), the cynic in you might just be right!

It's early days with regards Koeman, but I definitely agree with George, and wouldn't be bothered if neither of them were at Goodison, for the next game. (I know... I haven't thought it through... because Lukaku is our ONLY striker!!!)

Lukaku, scores goals, but doesn't offer that much to the team with regards his general play. Can't argue with his goalscoring record, or his 15 minute cameos, but he thinks he's a lot better than he actually his, and I'm not sure he can ever become anything more than he offers now, whilst he has this mindset?

Koeman worries me because the team just doesn't seem to really have much of a plan just yet. It might be down to the squad he inherited, and it's distinct lack of character but, like Martinez before, everything seems centred on a centre forward, who isn't that clever at bringing other players into the game?

My other big worry is that despite looking fitter, we are in 17th place, when it comes to how many miles the team have actually ran this season.

Maybe the cynic in John might just be right? Or maybe Koeman was referring to the players Lukaku, currently plays with? Because they are the ones who actually represent where Everton Football Club actually stand in the game right now?

Jack Convery
336 Posted 10/11/2016 at 22:04:26
Either we are planning to become a top team in Europe or we are not. Koeman's words sound like the latter to me.
Ian Hollingworth
337 Posted 10/11/2016 at 22:10:15
Oh dear talk about putting yourself under pressure.

After Saturday, and then this, only results can help him now – and, let's face it, if we start winning games, he will soon be forgiven.

It's not just the insult to us but can anyone seriously see Rom in the Barca team? "Sorry Neymar lad, you're on the bench today...." Yeah, right.

David Booth
338 Posted 10/11/2016 at 23:19:03
If we scrape a flukey win against Swansea – in the manner of every game we have won this season – or heaven forbid, draw or lose, Koeman is in for a firestorm.

We need a complete reverse of the Chelsea result and a thumping 5-0 win ourselves, against the team at the bottom of the (so-called) Premier League form table.

For me, this is still a Martinez team and I have seen not one ounce of difference under Koeman's tenure. And now he's talking us down. It's beyond belief!

No excuse. No lost in translation. This is not a manager being caught out, or being selectively mis-quoted. He has made it clear that Lukaku's future lies elsewhere.

Eleven mediocre, uninspiring, fortuitous games in, I am beginning to think his may too. If our manager cannot be relied upon to big us up, what hope have we got?

Anto Byrne
339 Posted 10/11/2016 at 03:06:52
The goal he scored against Man City was top notch and, if he goes, we will get top dollar for him. Maybe Walsh has another Vardy in the pipeline.

It will take Koeman a season or two before he becomes a true Evertonian. I think we have a good manager who has a top 6 finish goal.

Paul Conway
340 Posted 11/11/2016 at 08:16:28
Habib (#292)
Very wise words, indeed!
Tony Williams
341 Posted 11/11/2016 at 10:15:19
Absolutely disgraceful comments; he should have been dismissed immediately.
Ian Jones
344 Posted 11/11/2016 at 23:36:19
George @332

Let's hope you will soon be able to see more of our home ground from your house.

Brian Wilkinson
345 Posted 12/11/2016 at 05:14:38
Bill and Moshiri will shrug it off, can you imagine what John Moores would have said had one of our past managers said that while he was chairman?

I am with the majority, as manager of Everton Football Club, this comment is unacceptable.

If he's after big money and building Rom up, then why not do the same with Niasse? Niasse was doing alright for the Under-23s... suddenly he's injured and not a word said about his injury and out for how long?

Injured my arse, he was taken out of the limelight and my fussing from someone higher up than Unsworth.

Bob Parrington
346 Posted 12/11/2016 at 06:36:12
OMG - seems like the lynching squad mentality prevails on this thread. Moyes Effin' Useless, Martinez Effin' Useless, now Koeman Effin' Useless .. after just a few months.

RS must be laughing all the way to the bank!

Anthony Hughes
347 Posted 12/11/2016 at 07:30:29
Very few have said Koeman is useless. An arrogant, clueless, disrespectful fool, yes. (Please nobody misinterpret the last sentence.)
Dave Abrahams
348 Posted 12/11/2016 at 09:12:42
Anthony (#347) clueless? At £6M a year, I wish I was as clueless.
Anthony Hughes
349 Posted 12/11/2016 at 14:05:29
I was referring more to his his coaching performance so far in a number of games than his financial acumen Dave.
Dave Abrahams
350 Posted 12/11/2016 at 14:12:27
Anthony (#349),

Fair enough, Anthony, but we will have to wait to see how that pans out. I think he will do well at Everton; time will tell.

No matter how he does, we will both be here to see how the next manager performs, God willing.


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