Ronald Koeman claims his Everton players are only 70 per cent fit and ‘not ready’ for the Prem season after they were given six weeks off over the summer
New boss shocked by lack of fitness after Roberto Martinez's axe and says old club Southampton would have trained earlier
RONALD KOEMAN claims his out-of-shape Everton stars are only 70 per cent fit for the new season.
The Dutchman, who arrived from Southampton, bosses the Blues for the first time tomorrow against Tottenham in their opener.
But Koeman, 53, is stunned Everton’s squad got a six-week break after flopping last season under Roberto Martinez, which led to him being axed.
Koeman said: “The team is only on 70 per cent of the fitness a Premier League player needs.
“We do testing, runs, sprints and at Southampton we had a really strong team physically.
“Everton had a holiday of six or seven weeks. I planned for Southampton to start the season a week or ten days earlier!
“It is not good players get that length of time off. That is one reason they are not totally ready.
“It is tricky as you have to look out for injuries.”
Everton new-boy Ashley Williams misses the game after Euros duty, while Romelu Lukaku is doubtful with an ankle injury.
