Ronald Koeman’s close shave shows he is not deaf to Goodison Park gripes

Everton manager demands more quality in home game against Arsenal to ease growing unhappiness at his expensive team’s performances

It is part of Ronald Koeman’s routine to tweet before and after a match but he does not dwell on the reactions among his 1.16m followers. “I don’t read the comments of fans, no,” the Everton manager claimed. “I want a quiet life.” He is in the wrong place in that case. Against Arsenal on Sunday opinions from inside Goodison Park may not be easily ignored.

Just when Everton thought their problems were confined to Koeman’s overpriced, underperforming team a knuckle-dragger emerges from the Gwladys Street stand, child in arm, to aim a blow at Lyon’s goalkeeper, Anthony Lopes. His actions have prompted a police investigation, a ban from the club and disciplinary action by Uefa, yet could not distract totally from another severe setback for the Everton manager on Thursday.

Continue reading...