Michael Keane says Everton have been below the expected standard this season
Tuesday 3 October 2017 11:05, UK
Michael Keane accepts Everton have been well below the standard expected of them so far this season.
The Toffees have taken only seven points from seven games in the current campaign, a run of form which last week led to majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri giving a public vote of confidence to manager Ronald Koeman.
Koeman reinvested all of the £75m the club received from Manchester United for Romelu Lukaku in the summer transfer window, signing players such as Swansea's Gylfi Sigurdsson for £45m and Keane himself from Burnley for £25m.
That expenditure, combined with the on-field results, has led to increased pressure on Koeman and his players, and Keane fully accepts performances have not been good enough so far.
"I think everyone expected more than we have given so far: the players and the staff, not just the fans," he said.
"We know we have been disappointing as a team and need to improve.
Premier League Highlights
"Expectations from fans is one thing - but the main thing is what we expect of ourselves. And in a few games this season we have fallen below those standards.
"I did not think that was the case (against Burnley). We just need to show that bit of quality and, hopefully, we will do that soon.
"It is a great set of lads here and the staff have been brilliant with me. It has not been the best of starts with results but I am enjoying my football and, hopefully, there is more to come."
