Koeman: Everton project will take three years

Ronald Koeman says his Everton side are far from the finished article as he outlined his plans on how to make the Toffees one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League once again.

The Dutchman moved from Southampton to replace Roberto Martinez last summer, but after a positive start the club have won just one of their last six league games.

Koeman has frustrated supporters by claiming star striker Romelu Lukaku should leave the club in order to reach his best, and says he will be brutally honest throughout his time in charge.

But the 53-year-old has a clear plan to restore Everton to title contenders and says it will take three years for them to mix with the best.

LPhoto by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

“This season, Everton will fight for European football. But to finish above the big teams in the Premier League will be difficult,” he said.

“For next season we need to improve and we will get new signings in which will make the team stronger.

“The third year, we need to be close to playing in the Champions League. It’s all about we win and we get a high position. We want to reach that.

“At the moment I think we are maybe at 60 per cent of the whole project.

“Also, how is the team, playing? Are the changes we are making to the team improving us until the end of the season?

“But finally it’s all about if you win, that you get a high position and that’s the target we have.”