Koeman adapting to life with the Toffees

Ronald Koeman admits it took time for his players to adapt to his methods at Everton, but he insists they are starting to find their feet.

The Toffees are seventh in the Premier League table just four points behind Manchester United, but face a tricky trip to second-placed Spurs next up.

Koeman found himself under pressure earlier in the campaign after a sluggish start but they have now won six and drawn three since Boxing Day.

And Koeman, who arrived from Southampton, believes his message is being taken on-board by his players.

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He said: “Everybody needs time to adapt, to understand and to know the players. If you compare the squad of Everton this season compared to last season, we have 12 or 13 new faces.

“For the new players you need time to understand what the new manager wants and how he likes to play, what you need to do to get good fitness. That is really important.

“You have to keep your distance sometimes. I like to be one of them but they are much younger than I! I am much more old-fashioned than the football players of this time. But you want to show that you are a part of them.

“Finally, it is the manager’s responsibility if the team is not winning. But you like to do it together and feeling that spirit, that ambition. You like to deal with your players.”