The Southampton boss was confirmed as Everton’s new manager on Tuesday.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman
Southampton striker Shane Long has risked the wrath of the club’s fans by suggesting that moving to Everton was a step up for Ronald Koeman via the Daily Mail.
The Dutch boss was confirmed as the new Everton on Tuesday after they managed to convince him to make the move to Merseyside.
It is believed that the offer of a big transfer budget, and a significant hike in wages was enough to convince him into swapping St Mary’s for Goodison Park.
Shane Long celebrates with Dusan Tadic after scoring the first goal for Southampton
The move has been met with criticism by Saints fans, who believe Koeman has taken a sideways step to make to take charge of the Toffees.
But Long has suggested otherwise, saying his former manager has taken the opportunity to progress his career.
“Especially over the last six months, he has really stuck by me and played me week in, week out,” he told the Daily Mail.
“I really got on with him and I learned a lot from him. But he obviously has an opportunity to progress in his career and I wish him all the best.”
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman acknowledges fans at the end of the match
It will now be interesting to see if the decision to make the move proves a smart one for Koeman.
There is no denying that Southampton have been the more successful over the last two season, with Everton having struggled in the bottom half of the table.
With big backing now on offer from the Everton board though, Koeman has the chance to turn them into contenders once again, but whether he can do remains to be seen.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman (R) with assitant manager Erwin Koeman before the match
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