Everton have played both Liverpool and Manchester United over the past week.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Toffees boss Ronald Koeman spoke to reporters after his side’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford yesterday, and admitted that he felt more comfortable coming up against Jose Mourinho’s side than he did when facing the intense high press nature of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool team, as quoted by the club’s official website.
Everton were soundly beaten at Anfield on Saturday, with their players being given no time whatsoever on the ball, which was in stark contrast to last night’s game, when they had the freedom of the Old Trafford pitch, for the first-half at least.
And Koeman told reporters how he was more comfortable with his team playing against United because his players were given more time on the ball and more possession in general, as quoted by EvertonFC.com:
“Different system, different pressing, I feel myself more comfortable here than the way Liverpool tried to press. You know United are strong, they have individual qualities, but it isn’t a team who will from the start press, press, press. They have a different system and still a strong team, really good players, but you get more time and you will have more ball possession, it’s different.”
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho
The Blues’ last two results have all but ended their hopes of making the top four this season, whilst their city rivals Liverpool have gone from strength to strength, and currently sit in third position in the Premier League table, 10 points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.
Manchester United, much like Everton, also have their work cut-out if they are to finish inside the Champions League spots.
But with all three clubs currently inside the top seven, the north-west will still be very well presented in Europe next term.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp
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