Baines relishing Koeman link-up

Leighton Baines is relishing working with new Everton manager Ronald Koeman.

Koeman was officially named as Roberto Martinez's successor on Tuesday, two months after the Spaniard was sacked on the back of a string of disappointing results.

During his playing career, the Dutchman was known for his set-piece skills - he scored the winning free-kick as Barcelona lifted the 1992 European Cup - and Baines is hoping to learn a few things from his new manager.

“You can sort of picture them now… he was certainly able to generate a lot of power! I’m sure he will have a few pointers for us all,” Baines told evertontv.

"He instantly commands your respect on many levels. The thing for us as players is the excitement of getting to work with him and enjoying the training sessions.

"Everyone speaks really highly of him, so it’s great for us as players to have someone like him to work with.”

Koeman secured Europa League qualification in successive seasons with Southampton and Baines believes he is the right man to guide Liverpool in the future.

“It’s what we’ve all been waiting for and anticipating. It’s been really well received and it’s the appointment everyone was hoping for," the Everton defender added.

“It’s an interesting summer for this football club and the appointment of a new manager means everyone can start to look forward to what’s to come.

"His reputation speaks for itself. As a player he was obviously top-drawer and he’s on that path now as a manager as well.

"He did a fantastic job - in what was a difficult job - at Southampton with the players they lost. He did incredible there and that’s why I think our Chairman and Mr Moshiri were so focused on making him the man.

"We are just delighted that he is in now and are all looking forward to working with him."