Ronald Koeman criticises Everton's teamwork after Bournemouth loss
Sunday 25 September 2016 18:51, UK
Ronald Koeman has called on his Everton players to play less like individuals and more as a team after losing 1-0 to Bournemouth.
The defeat, inflicted by Junior Stanislas firing home the winner midway through the first-half, was Koeman's first in the Premier League since taking over from Roberto Martinez.
Bournemouth also hit the woodwork twice in the opening 45 minutes and Koeman was disappointed with the level of teamwork showed in the opening stages.
"We have players with good technical quality but they need to work more as a team," Koeman said.
"The difference between the two teams was the pressing of Bournemouth, especially in the first half. That's where we need to improve. If you start like this, it's very difficult to turn it. We tried in the second half and it was much better but football is over 90-95 minutes not 45."
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Asked whether he was surprised about the team's lack of pressing, Koeman replied: "I knew already.
"It's strange after two months if you don't know the characters of your players. I know what we need. We need more energy on the pitch. The energy was good in the second half but not in the first half."
Koeman accepted the loss could "maybe" provide a dose of reality after the Toffees could have moved top of the league with a victory and the help of results elsewhere.
"We know we will not win every game, it's the Premier League, we need to be prepared for everyone," said Koeman.
"In my opinion, Bournemouth are a good team, they will not fight against relegation.
"From us, it was not good enough. First half, Bournemouth were the better team, more aggression, winning second balls.
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"They started much better than we did. It was disappointing after 45 minutes.
"The second half at least we showed what we need to do. Good reaction of the team, some chances, not really big opportunities but we were the more dangerous team.
"It's a pity because you need to start like that."
