Everton: Ronald Koeman faces biggest challenge of managerial career

As Everton struggle to find consistency on the pitch, can Ronald Koeman turn their fortunes around to save his job and reputation?

There seems to be little tolerance these days, when it comes to being a manager/coach in professional sports. Now, the mentality among fans and media alike is essentially “what have you done for me lately?”, with the current situation at Everton representing a prime example.

We’ve already gone on record as saying Ronald Koeman needs to be given more time. Regardless, the pressure is building.

No longer is Koeman seen as a talented, no-nonsense manager, who speaks his mind and won’t allow any player to think he’s bigger than the club. Now, he’s perceived as having little clue when it comes to tactics or motivating the team, while falling out with everyone.

With all this in mind, Sunday’s game against Burnley has now taken on even more importance, especially after conceding a late equalizer versus a 10-man Apollon Limassol team. For all intents and purposes, Koeman is now fighting to save his reputation and managerial career.

Just writing that seems ridiculous to us. This is still the same man who guided Everton to a seventh place finish last season and has led them to the group stages of the Europa League.

Unfortunately for the 54-year old, there is little room for common sense or a rational perspective in the football world. As reported by Neil Fissler of the Daily Express, he could be facing the axe, if the Blues lose to Burnley.

As things stand, Everton are just two points above the relegation zone, albeit with a game in hand. They have scored the third-fewest goals in the Premier League and have the joint-second worst goal difference.

In fairness to Fissler, he does make a point of adding Everton are not renowned for being particularly trigger happy, when it comes to sacking managers. And yet, a fourth defeat in just seven league games would undoubtedly lead to more questions and turn up the heat.

For many, it doesn’t help that Koeman comes across as being arrogant, but you can say the same about Jose Mourinho. Rather simplistically speaking, if the Dutchman wins more games, he’ll find talk of his arrogance will fade away.