Everton: Ronald Koeman receives vote of confidence

Majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has offered his total support to under-fire Everton manager Ronald Koeman, after Sunday’s demoralising loss to Burnley.

Uh oh. Things have just gotten worse for Everton manager Ronald Koeman; he’s been given the dreaded vote of confidence.

The show of support — often perceived as a prelude to a sacking — was offered by the Blues’ majority shareholder, Farhad Moshiri. In truth, Moshiri had to make this move, after Sunday’s disastrous 1-0 home defeat to Burnley.

After just seven league games, Everton have already lost four times, making a mockery of pre-season predictions they would challenge for a top four spot. They sit just two points above a relegation place, have the second-worst goal difference and scored the third-fewest times.

The Blues started the competitive season with four unbeaten games, culminating with an impressive draw at Manchester City; which arguably should have been a win. However, since then, they have lost five of eight games in all competitions.

There has been talk of a lack of confidence, poor tactics and an unbalance lineup, all criticisms which ultimately have to be put on Koeman. The 54-year-old’s arrival was hailed by all last summer; now, he can’t seem to do anything right in the eyes of the supporters and media alike.

We’ve previously gone on record as saying the Dutchman deserves more time. In that respect, Moshiri also believes this.

As reported by Andy Hunter of The Guardian, Moshiri released a statement to Sky Sports‘ Jim White, following the defeat to Burnley. It read:

"We are in a bad moment. But we have played the four title contenders, three away. Today was an unexpected loss. The four pre-qualifying Uefa games and two group games on Thursdays haven’t helped. There is mental and physical fatigue and seven injuries. These are early days and Koeman has my total support. We have great fans and they deserve better. We know the honest and objective expectations of our supporters and will not let them down."

Moshiri makes some good points, especially regarding the Blues’ misfortune on the injury front. In addition, he’s right to comment on their difficult start to the league campaign, including three games away to title contenders.

However, where it starts to fall apart, is when you consider the recent fixture list of four consecutive matches at Goodison Park. While Everton won the first two games, they followed this by drawing with Apollon Limassol and losing to Burnley.