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Ronald Koeman says Everton need to react after Spurs defeat

Tottenham Hotspur's Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembele (C) vies with Everton's English midfielder Tom Davies (L) and Everton's Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sig
Image: Ronald Koeman has demanded his players react after a disappointing defeat to Tottenham on Saturday

Everton manager Ronald Koeman expects a reaction from his players in the Europa League after a crushing defeat to Tottenham on Saturday.

Koeman is hoping his side can put the weekend's disappointment behind them before they play Serie A side Atalanta in their opening Europa League group game on Thursday.

"Of course, after the weekend we need to react," Koeman told the club's website.

Ronald Koeman was unhappy with the way Everton gave their goals away against Tottenham
Image: Everton will be hoping to recover from their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday with a win in Europe

"The second half was not what we expect from ourselves. But the nicest part of football is that if you lose a game - if you are not happy with the performance - you get another opportunity in a few days and can show your reaction.

"We will try to dominate the game - our intention is to play offensive football, to create opportunities, to score and we need to counter the strengths of Atalanta."

Ronald Koeman prior to the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at the Etihad Stadium
Image: Koeman's Everton have taken only four points from their opening four Premier League fixtures

Everton return to the competition for the first time in two years and despite their lack of European experience, Koeman is hopeful they can advance to the latter stages of the tournament.

"For every football club it is really important to be part of Europe," said the Dutchman. "Let's hope for a good game and that the journey will take us a long way in European football."

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Wayne Rooney was part of the Everton squad that arrived at Liverpool's John Lennon airport ahead of their Europa League group game against Atalanta on Thursday

"If you start a competition you want to win it," he said. "But it is a long way to go you have to take it step by step. You can rotate for several reasons but, like always, we will start with a strong team."

Everton face a quick turnaround following their European tie as they travel to Old Trafford to play Manchester United, live on Sky Sports Premier League, on Sunday.

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