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Post by Everton News. on Aug 20, 2017 21:50:54 GMT
Koeman: Take Confidence From Defensive SolidityBlues boss looks ahead to Monday night's trip to Manchester City.Ronald Koeman has urged his players to take confidence from their impressive defensive record when they travel to Manchester City on Monday night. The Blues have kept four clean sheets from their opening four games of the season for the first time in the Club’s history, with two shut-outs recorded against MFK Ružomberok (twice), Stoke City and Hajduk Split. And while boss Koeman accepts travelling to the Etihad Stadium will be the toughest test faced so far, the Dutchman believes his side is strong enough to cope with City’s attacking threat. “It’ll be difficult [to keep a clean sheet],” said Koeman. “We know we are strong defensively, the team organisation is strong. But the key to getting a good result is also what we do when we have the ball. “You have different ways to play. The early part of this week involved preparing for the Hajduk Split game but after that, we have been seeing what is the best way we can go to City and get a good result.” Koeman is once again looking forward to pitting his managerial wits against Pep Guardiola - a man he took under his wing during their time together as players at Barcelona. The Toffees manager says Guardiola’s preferences as a manager are “the most difficult” to execute - and believes his former teammate’s side are stronger than ever after recruiting the likes of playmaker Bernardo Silva, defenders Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo and goalkeeper Ederson over the summer. “I’m a good friend of Pep and the way he likes to play is the most difficult way,” added Koeman. “It’s really a pleasure to watch his teams play football, with a high defence and a lot of offensive players in his teams. The Premier League is sometimes physically strong with [importance on] set plays and because they play with a high defence, there is always space behind. “We know that, we remember that from when we played City at home last season and punished them for that. But I think with the business they have done in the summer, City are stronger than last year. “This season, from what I’ve seen, I was impressed by Manchester United [against West Ham] last Sunday and I’m impressed by Manchester City - but maybe it can be different in two weeks or two months. That is football - you never know what will happen, but, of course, they are strong.” Koeman also believes, if selected, Wayne Rooney will relish the opportunity of playing in front of a hostile crowd in Manchester. “It is not the first time Wayne will play against City at their stadium,” he said. “He knows he may get a reception, but he is so experienced that he will not lose any sleep over it. Players like Wayne enjoy that platform to play football.”
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Post by coybtv1878 on Aug 21, 2017 3:18:55 GMT
I dont think hitting City on the counter attack is an option this season so I hope that isnt the plan
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Post by dorf on Aug 21, 2017 11:37:40 GMT
I dont think hitting City on the counter attack is an option this season so I hope that isnt the plan If Lookman and Sandro are available it might work but I think we need to be able to hold onto the ball better otherwise we'll put a tonne of pressure on us.
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Post by mcrbluenose on Aug 21, 2017 11:41:31 GMT
Still not convinced about the City defence. If (and judging by last season at the empyhad) we get the ball in their half we should stand a reasonable chance. The attacking third of their team is awsome
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Post by Everton News. on Aug 21, 2017 14:35:34 GMT
Cuco Martina says a confident Everton side must execute their gameplan in order to taste success against Manchester City on Monday evening. The full-back, who signed a three-year deal with the Blues after joining on a free transfer this summer, is hoping to continue collective and personal momentum as the Toffees hit the road for the first time in the Premier League in 2017/18. Martina impressed during Everton’s last outing, playing 90 minutes in the 2-0 Europa League play-off first-leg win over Croatian side Hajduk Split. It is the first time in the Club’s history that four clean sheets have been kept from the opening four competitive games of a campaign. And the defender says that stands the Blues in good stead as they prepare to head to the Etihad Stadium. “Of course, we know it’ll be difficult but if we stick to our gameplan and believe in ourselves, we can do great things,” the 27-year-old told evertontv. “We have kept clean sheets and scored some great goals so far, so we will go there with confidence. “I was happy with my performance against Hajduk Split, but I was more happy that we won and got the clean sheet. “It was a chance to show what I can do. I know some people didn’t believe in me and I can understand that, but it was a great chance to show people that I’m a good player and can do it [at this level]. “We have many players who can play at right-back but only the best can play. It drives us on. We also have many games and we can change it around.” Martina has also praised the impact of fellow summer signing Jordan Pickford - and the confidence the young goalkeeper breeds on the pitch. “He is really good,” added the Curaçao international. “I watched him when he was at Sunderland but now I’m with him every day, I can really see just how fantastic he is. “Everyone trusts him and he gives power to the team. “We have bought many great players this summer and Jordan is one of them. Clean sheets give us confidence. We know [as a defence] we have a job to do and if we can do that, we can see many good things for Everton. “I’ve already seen how big this Club is in the short time I’ve been here. The fans are fantastic and always behind the team. It helps us on the pitch.”
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