Koeman: Everton can become title contenders

Everton manager Ronald Koeman insists he is the man to turn the Toffees into title contenders, but has stressed to fans that it won’t happen overnight.

Koeman, who took over at the Goodison Park helm in the summer, is known for his ability to improve top-flight sides, having taken Southampton to their highest ever Premier League finish of sixth last season.

The Toffees currently occupy seventh place in the table, eight points off top spot, and with winnable fixtures against Swansea and the Saints up next, Koeman is relishing the challenge he faces, should he be given the time.

“It’s a long time since Everton were winning trophies and challenging for the title in England, but that is what we want to do,” he said.

“This is a very big club and the aim is to be in the top positions again, challenging for the important places in the Premier League.

“It takes time when you come to a club to get everything you want in place, but I understand that in this game now, you do not always have the time.”

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

He added: “The ambition this season will be challenging for European football.

“We have introduced some new players last summer and it takes time to find the right balance in the team and to find consistency, but I feel it is not far away.”

But while Koeman admits it won’t be his side battling for top honours this season, he risked the wrath of the Everton faithful with who he expects to win the title.

“It’s still too early to say who will be the favourites, but I have been impressed by Liverpool so far,” he said.

“Maybe that is not what you might expect the Everton manager to say, but they have been playing some very good football and deserve to be at the top.

“They have goals in their team and this is what all successful sides need.”