Friday 4 August 2017 07:48, UK
Everton manager Ronald Koeman admits there is still plenty of room for improvement after his side overcame MFK Ruzomberok to book their place in Friday's Europa League play-off draw.
The Blues sealed a 2-0 aggregate win over their Slovakian opponents after substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin's late strike added to Leighton Baines' deflected effort in the first round.
Prior to Calvert-Lewin's well-taken goal, the new-look Everton had lacked a fluency to their play as seen at Goodison Park last week - and Koeman accepts there is work to be done.
"I'm really happy to progress with two wins and two clean sheets. But we know we can and need to improve in our ball possession," he said.
"We need create more than we did. It was a physical game and 90 minutes that the players needed. We are through to the next round and I'm really happy."
Sandro Ramirez worked hard alongside Wayne Rooney to little effect, with both guilty of squandering good openings in the first half.
Both became increasingly isolated as the contest wore on due to their side's defensive approach, but it was only after Sandro was replaced by Calvert-Lewin that Everton found breathing space.
Koeman revealed he hopes for there to be good news regarding the club's approach to signing Gylfi Sigurdsson on Friday and he was impressed by England U20 International Calvert-Lewin after his bright cameo.
"Maybe Dominic feels a bit more comfortable as one of two strikers. He's strong, he's fast and he scored a great goal.
"This competition has always been important for me. I like to be in Europe - it's important for our experience. It's good for the club, the players and the fans.
"It's not easy to reach the group stages but we will do everything to get there."
