Ronald Koeman insists Everton must follow unfancied Portugal’s proven formula for success
No-nonsense new boss urges Toffees to show 'spirit, ambition and character' that won Cristiano Ronaldo and co. Euro 2016
RONALD KOEMAN has urged Everton to show Portugal's “spirit and ambition” in their bid to win a trophy.
Koeman, 53, has succeeded Roberto Martinez with a brief to restore the Toffees to the top 10 and, hopefully, deliver a cup.
And the Dutchman is using Euro 2016 champions Portugal as his point of reference.
Said the former Southampton manager: “I have felt very comfortable from the first minute until now.
“I feel that support that I have as the manager. Everybody is involved, everybody likes to help and that’s most important, that the staff show we have one direction.
“After that, the players need to show the spirit and ambition they have to be a team.
“That’s how we can win this season, that mentally we are a strong team.
Related Stories
“We have good players. We know we have some very good individual qualities in the team but as you saw in the Euros Portugal was not the best quality team but they won the Euros.
“Most of the time it’s all about the spirit, ambition and character and staying together.”
Koeman is thought to have grown frustrated at Southampton selling their key assets on an annual basis.
Now he has the problem of hanging on to John Stones and Romelu Lukaku at Goodison Park.
His first competitive game in charge will be at home to Tottenham, also managed by a former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Everton go to Southampton on November 26.