Boss Shares Fans' Excitement

Ronald Koeman says he shares the excitement of supporters about the direction Everton are moving in after Goodison Park sold out for Thursday’s Europa League qualifying fixture against MFK Ružomberok.

Since securing a return to continental competition at the end of last season, the Blues have added seven new signings, including Michael Keane and Jordan Pickford who both arrived for what could rise to become joint Club-record fees.

Sandro Ramirez, Davy Klaassen, Cuco Martina, Henry Onyekuru and Wayne Rooney have also been added to Koeman’s ranks, with the Toffees boss confirming Academy graduate Rooney will make his first competitive start since rejoining the Club against the Slovakian visitors.

Goodison’s most recent Europa League qualifying fixture against Sigma Olomouc in August 2009 attracted a crowd of 27,433 but the remaining tickets for Thursday’s fixture were snapped up by supporters on Monday.


And Koeman has urged his players to feed off that level of optimism as they look to take a giant step towards the competition’s group stage. 

“I am one but I think everybody is really excited at Everton and I think it’s a big example of the confidence and the support of the fans that we have that it’s sold out,” said the Dutchman. “It’s not what normally happens across Europe, it makes a big difference to the players and it’s given us more spirit and more ambition.

“If you watch the last round of qualification for the Europa League, there’s a lot of empty stadiums. It means a lot to the players because everybody is excited about Everton and that’s really a big support for the team when you play in front of a full house instead of empty stands.

"Everybody wants to be part of Europe, that includes the fans, and they are showing it.”


Ružomberok saw off Serbian outfit Vojvodina in the first qualifying round before recording a surprise victory over Norway’s SK Brann in round two.

And Koeman says Everton must not underestimate opponents who were crowned Slovakian champions in 2006.

“There are no easy games,” he added. “Everybody is preparing in the best way they can but most of the teams are already further into their pre-season.

“This team have played already two qualification rounds and one domestic game but we’d like to reach the group stage and that means you have to beat everybody in the draw that you get.

“It’s not an easy job but I think we’re totally confident we can reach the group stage.”