Everton manager Ronald Koeman has admitted that his players are unlikely to be 100% fit for the start of the Europa League campaign which begins in late July.
Though the Toffees ended the season in underwhelming form, they managed to surpass expectations this season, finishing in seventh position and claimed a spot in Europe’s second tier club competition.
The Europa League will require them to return to action earlier than other club’s as they will play their first competitive match only three weeks after returning to pre-season training on July 3.
Koeman said of his team, “You cannot be 100 percent prepared in my opinion in just three weeks, but players need to have a holiday to clear their minds and to overcome the physical demands of a long and demanding season. They need to refresh themselves and build again for the campaign to come. It is a draining experience.”
While Koeman’s first season in charge of the Toffees can be considered a success, he will know that he needs to make additional quality signings if he wishes to improve upon this season’s displays next term.
