Everton have enjoyed a very strong start under their new manager, sitting in fifth place.
Seamus Coleman has explained the differences between current Everton manager Ronald Koeman and the man he replaced at Goodison Park, Roberto Martinez, speaking to the Daily Mail.
Martinez was sacked as Everton boss before the final game of last season after he struggled to replicate what he had achieved during his first year on Merseyside, with a leaky defence causing too many problems for the Toffees.
Everton’s Seamus Coleman in action with Bournemouth’s Jordon Ibe
“Roberto played a more open game and made no secret of that,” Coleman told the Daily Mail.
“He liked his full backs getting high and unfortunately at times we conceded too many goals.
“This manager [Koeman] wants us to be solid first and the build on that with the quality attacking players. It’s not a case of one being wrong and one right but we are more solid this season.”
Everton have conceded just five Premier League goals so far this season, with only Tottenham conceding less after the first seven games of the season.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Koeman’s insistence on his team being solid and playing a high intensity style of football, as well as the signing of Wales captain Ashley Williams has allowed Everton to be better defensively, which had been lost when Martinez arrived at the club.
The Dutchman still has the Toffees playing exciting and attacking football, with players like Ross Barkley, Yannick Bolasie and Romelu Lukaku starting brightly under the new boss.
Everton’s next game is against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, where their defence will receive their toughest test so far. Pep Guardiola’s side are top of the league and are the joint top scorers in the division with 18 goals, level with Liverpool.
Everton’s Seamus Coleman shoots
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