Ronald Koeman recently dismissed Everton’s chances of finishing in the top four of the Premier League this season.
Earlier this month, Everton manager Ronald Koeman said that he does not think that his side can challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.
As quoted by The Independent, Koeman said that people need to be realistic about what the Toffees can achieve this season, and said that it is ridiculous to put too much pressure on his team.
The Dutchman also added that Everton’s realistic expectation this campaign is to finish like last season – seventh in the Premier League – and not to end up in the top four.
Former Everton striker Andy Gray does not seem to agree with Koeman, and believes that the Merseyside should at least be pushing for a Champions League place given the signings they made in the summer transfer window.
“I don’t get his argument,” Gray told beIn Sports (Facebook live, September 22, 2017). “The team should be under pressure from day one to produce as much as they can.”
Gray added: “Is £150 million enough to get supporters excited and expectant? Yes, it is, and I think that pressure should be on Everton to at least be pushing for a top four.”
Everton made a number of signings in the summer transfer window, including forward Wayne Rooney, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and attacking midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson.
The Toffees did lose star striker Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United, but they should still be at least pushing for a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.
It would not be a disaster if Everton failed to a claim a Champions League, but the Goodison Park faithful would surely want the team to at least make a challenge.
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