Everton board still back me, says Koeman

Under-fire Everton manager Ronald Koeman insists he still has the full backing of majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and the board.

Everton sit just two places and two points above the relegation zone, with eight points from eight games, following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

The Dutchman met with Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright at Finch Farm on Friday, and says the pair expressed their full support for him and his under-performing squad.

"Yes, he was here with Bill Kenright and more people from the board because they hadn't seen the new building. You speak about football of course," the 54-year-old said.

"There wasn't really a message. They are behind the team and the manager. In football that's a nice thing but in football it's all about results. Until now it's total support from the board, yes."

The Merseyside club have also struggled in the Europa League, losing 3-0 to Atalanta in Italy on 14 September and drawing 2-2 with Cypriot side Apollon Limassol at Goodison Park on 28 September.

And Koeman, who spent £140m on new players during the summer transfer window, admits Thursday's Group E game against Lyon at Goodison Park, which is live on eir Sport 2 [kick off 8.05pm], has become a must-win game.

"It's really important, we know the situation in the group that we need a win," he said.

"We expected a win last time but we were unlucky they scored in the last minute.

"Normally you need three wins at home and you pick something out of the away games. We need a win tomorrow."

James McCarthy played 45 minutes for the club's Under-23s in Tuesday night's 3-1 defeat to Wolfsburg in the Premier International Cup following a knee injury, but is unlikely to feature against Lyon.

Dutch midfielder Davy Klaassen and Spanish forward Sandro Ramirez did not play in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Brighton, but could start against Bruno Genesio's side.

You can watch all of Everton's Europa League campaign on the eir Sport package. The Toffees face French side Lyon, Serie A club Atalanta and Apollon Limassol of Cyprus in Group E. Ronald Koeman's side are next in action against Lyon at Goodison Park on Thursday, 19 October, a match which will be shown live on eir Sport 2 [kick-off 8.05pm].

Image: Getty Images/Dan Istitene

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