Ronald Koeman says Everton will be in a strong position for 2017/18
Saturday 20 May 2017 14:56, UK
Everton boss Ronald Koeman thinks he will have a "really strong" squad next season and is confident his side can cope with increased expectations.
Koeman has enjoyed a decent first campaign at Goodison Park and Everton head into Sunday's final game of the campaign at Arsenal guaranteed to finish seventh and earn a spot in the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
And Koeman says planning for next season has already been ongoing for "two, three months", and that he has had "several" meetings with the board, in which potential moves in the transfer market were discussed.
"If we can do our business this summer, the team for next season will be really strong," said Koeman.
"Normally, if you have a stronger team, then the expectations will be higher than before. But that's OK.
"That means more pressure for the players and, for sure, more pressure for the manager.
"But I know I can deal with the pressure, that's no problem."
Koeman says improved away form is high on his agenda for 2017/18, along with a decent showing in Europe.
"We had a really strong home record, but I think we need to improve away, and we need to be more clinical, more productive," he said.
"We know it is difficult - and playing in Europe next season will make it even more tough.
"But it is really a nice challenge for next season.
"It will be a new experience for some of the players, and of course we need to play two qualification rounds, and that is tough, because that starts after three and a half weeks of our pre-season (the first legs of the Europa League third qualifying round are scheduled for July 27).
"Let's wait to see what we can do.
"We take it really seriously because we like to play in Europe. I think that is important for the club."
