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Mirallas impressed by Koeman's impact on win over WBA

Lyndon Lloyd , 22 August, 42comments  |  Jump to most recent

Ronald Koeman's willingness to make decisive changes before half-time of Saturday's win at West Brom hasn't just gone down well with supporters, it appears to have been well-received in the dressing room as well.

Kevin Mirallas, who scored the important equaliser in first-half stoppage time, made mention of the manager's key alterations in his post-match comments and indicated how pleased he was to see it as a player.

“The coach saw directly that things were not good and changed and after that we played well,” Mirallas said.

“He proved how good he is, because he saw directly that the team had a problem because there were too many people in the middle and they had a lot of space on the left and right.

“When you are a player and you see that, then you are happy. You can see clearly that the coach has the solutions to win a game.”

The Belgian has also expressed his pleasure at Romelu Lukaku's decision to stay with the Blues and his hope that his compatriot will now commit himself to the club and sign a new contract at Goodison Park.

“The club are trying to sign new players, but it is also important to keep the best ones that you have,” Mirallas continued.

“Romelu is a very important player for us and I hope he signs a new contract.

“When he came on, you could see he is a real striker, and from there we began to have possession of the ball and then you can do something.”

 

Reader Comments (42)

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Paul Bromley
1 Posted 22/08/2016 at 06:42:15
Is he after a pay rise?
Eric Myles
2 Posted 22/08/2016 at 06:49:47
Well Paul, Lukaku is getting one for wanting a transfer, and Kev has apparently wanted a transfer for longer??
Paul Dewhurst
3 Posted 22/08/2016 at 07:31:00
Think KM is just kissing arse as he fell out with the last manager. He's been at it since RK arrived sayind it was great to get free kick advice etc ... If it keeps him scoring carry on KM
Matt Traynor
4 Posted 22/08/2016 at 07:32:01
Mirallas has been a massive disappointment to me overall. Moments of brilliance, but all too often interspersed with poor, selfish displays, and usually deserved match suspensions right at a time when he has an opportunity for a run of games.

I'm not convinced he's worthy of a pay rise, and to be honest if some of the other inbound signings come off, wouldn't be at all bothered if he was to leave, "gold" Bentley and all.

Mike Mulhall
5 Posted 22/08/2016 at 07:33:19
Can you blame him. RM treated him like a lepper at times, but saying that KM didnt exactly help himself at times.
Jason Davenport
6 Posted 22/08/2016 at 08:04:43
Typical TW, such negativity. Since Koeman came in, Kevin has been very good and I can see a wonderful future for him with us. Forget the past, look to the future.
Liam Reilly
7 Posted 22/08/2016 at 08:06:19
I like Mirallas; duuno what kind of relationship he had with RM but clearly there were issues there.

He lookx fitter than we've ever seen him ; as he rarely finished games even under Moyes.

Definitely got a goal or 2 in him; if he can stay fit; could be a good season.

Jakob Herd
8 Posted 22/08/2016 at 08:33:08
Mirrales is impetuous; however, under the direction of a decent manager [Koeman] he is playing better than ever, as Liam [7] said "he looks fitter" and he's amongst the goals. Dont be surprised if he racks up fifteen goals this season. He can be a real threat to defences when he's on his game.
Paul Mackie
9 Posted 22/08/2016 at 08:37:01
When he's fit and up for it, Mirallas is a fantastic player. So far it seems that Koeman is managing to get the best out of him. Something that both our last 2 managers failed to do.
James Morgan
10 Posted 22/08/2016 at 08:47:08
Paul #9, I agree. The lad has bags of talent and is arguably our best finisher. I'm curious as to who will be playing where if Brahimi AND Ghezzal come in. We will have wingers in abundance, unless one of the aforementioned will be looking more to play behind the striker.
Daniel Lim
11 Posted 22/08/2016 at 09:20:00
I don't mind if he is indeed kissing RK's arse. It means he's arsed.
Or you prefer he is not interested and just shrug his shoulders?

And I just saw OFFM showing all the negativity in the world after just 2 matches. I think he wouldn't be able to get Germany qualify for the WC 2018 if he managed them.

John Malone
12 Posted 22/08/2016 at 09:26:22
Onviously it's the new manager effect on Mirallas, as said above if he's up for it he can produce quality, it is only his attitude which sometimes let's him down.

I expect him to do well up until christmas when the buzz wear's off and the games come thick and fast then we'll see if he has turned a corner!

Martin Nicholls
13 Posted 22/08/2016 at 09:28:40
Mirallas agrees with majority of the support over impact of tactical substitution made by the manager. First responses on here are negative and critical of him. Well done lads.
Dave Pritchard
14 Posted 22/08/2016 at 09:29:42
So far so good for Mirallas this season in terms of attitude. He is clearly trying hard on the pitch and has not shown any petulance leading to sendings off. Early days of course.
Joe Clitherow
15 Posted 22/08/2016 at 09:38:37
The most important aspect of leadership is having the respect of your charges. Koeman clearly has that where the last fella was laughed at, because he was frankly ridiculous. Mirallas is clearly just expressing that respect.

There's been plenty to be negative about in a realistic way for a long time, but some of the knee jerk cynicism on this site really is soul destroying.

David Ellis
16 Posted 22/08/2016 at 09:45:13
Dave #14 - totally agree. I see an almost completely new man in Mirallas this season. Overtaken Deulofeu in the pecking order
Nigel Gregson
17 Posted 22/08/2016 at 09:52:52
haha spot on Paul Dewhurst. KM is a showpony who I still haven't forgiven for his antics in the last two seasons. Lets see how he reacts once he falls down the pecking order temporarily.
Tim Sharpe
18 Posted 22/08/2016 at 09:59:23
There is a lot of "between the lines" digs at Roberto, but it is good to see him flying again though, keep it up Kev!
Andy King
19 Posted 22/08/2016 at 10:13:39
Mirallas, as with all creative players, (wingers in particular IMO), will blow hot and cold. That's not a criticism as we ask them for a bit of magic so naturally this can't be expected every week. In the words of 'he who shall not be mentioned' he's having a moment.
I'd love to see some proper rotation of our forward players this season. Be it through horses for courses or simply taking them out of the team when it's not really working for them.
I loved seeing Tony Pulis completely perplexed at times on Saturday. He's no mug yet he had no idea what shape we were going to play with and where the next attack was coming from. For too long other teams have known our lineup and tactics months in advance, not anymore...
Dave Ganley
20 Posted 22/08/2016 at 10:17:59
Always liked Mirallas but he was poorly managed/allowed to get lazy like a lot of our players. It seems that Koeman will get the best out of players so long as the players buy into what he is doing which, at the moment Mirallas definitely is. If he continues in this vein it will be like having a new player at the club. Koeman has stated that he likes Mirallas as a player but that he doesn't work hard enough and it appears Mirallas has reacted positively to this. Long may it continue.
Nigel Gregson
21 Posted 22/08/2016 at 10:18:30
Andy - exactly. Relentless and clinical were the terms I thought of, and I quite liked it. Early days still, but all we need to do is focus on winning every week and stop making excuses. The team is dynamic and keeps getting stronger every week.
Mike Allison
22 Posted 22/08/2016 at 10:20:39
Unbelievable negativity from some posters, absolutely unbelievable.
Nathan Rooney
23 Posted 22/08/2016 at 10:22:08
I have long been a critic of "Super" Kev, and you will have often heard my grunts/screams/expletives from the top balc, when he was poncing about being a useless selfish arse last season, which was all the more furstrating when we had seen flashes of the quality player he could be.

To be fair to him, he seems to have grasped the nettle, and he looks a completely different player under RK - long may it continue.

I couldnt believe my eyes when I witnessed Kev chasing and perfroming a great slide tackle to win back possession v the baggies - tremendous effort, and the least we should expect from him from now on.

If we didnt know that RM had lost the dressing room before this season started, then we certainly know now - thank god Moshiri got shut when he did (and even that was 6 months too late for my liking!)

Keep it up Kev and the rest! Koeman you Blues!

Stan Schofield
24 Posted 22/08/2016 at 10:26:59
Mirallas is a fantastic ball player, with great pace and unpredictability. So are Barkley and Delefeu, and it looks like Bolasie is similar. The 2nd half on Saturday saw some very neat and quick passing movements, energy like we've not seen recently, plus much better organisation. Also, Lukaku clearly scares the shit out of defenders, giving others space, whether he scores or not. This is only the start, but things are looking up. I think we could be a really strong side this season. Combining the talent we have, new signings, and RK's organisation and discipline, could make for some treats in store.
Harry Wallace
25 Posted 22/08/2016 at 10:47:39
He has been very good so far this season and has responded well to RK for sure. What has said is accurate so not sure why people are so bloody negative on here. He is not kissing ass he is clearly happy and confident at the moment. Great to see.
Paul Rimmer
26 Posted 22/08/2016 at 11:06:58
Mirallas is a selfish player but you need that to score goals. I think he's realised with being left out of the Euros and not getting a move to a Champions League club that Everton are his level and he needs to play well under the new manager to get his game. If he has a good season we could get to the top 4. As others have said if he falls down the pecking order, the petulance may return.
Brent Stephens
28 Posted 22/08/2016 at 11:35:09
Kevin has disappointed so often in the past. But he's earned my applause so far this season. Who knows what he'll give us in the future but for now I just get pleasure in the positives. For what it's worth, I think he's right about Koeman's impact so I see no point in having a go at him for giving his opinion.
Peter Morris
31 Posted 22/08/2016 at 13:32:59
If KM could combine a consistent run of form with a newly discovered team ethic and work rate, he could be like a £25m signing this year. Let's see if RK can get the best out of him. Martinez certainly a failed in that regard.
Nice to see Steven Pienaar come on for a cameo for Sunderland yesterday. He's lost much of his pace and stamina, but not his vision and his clever little passes. He could still make a meaningful, if limited contribution to their cause this season. Kevin Mirallas can learn a lot from Steven, who never ever gave up the fight on the pitch when he was fit.
Paul Hay
32 Posted 22/08/2016 at 13:41:16
I am pleased to see this promising start from Kevin. Always felt there was more to this guy than meets the eye. Has great pace and as stated here can be frustrating but on his day he is a pleasure to watch.

Firmly believe that Mr Koeman will bring out the best of him. Yes there may have been issues with RM but I do feel that at times he was getting splinters in his backside at the expense of players who shouldn't have been on the pitch.

Mr Koeman will not tolerate any petulant crap from his players and I am totally confident that unless players buy into his vision then they will be told to do one.
Kevin knows this.

On a totally different note. . . I thought that Gareth Barry was amazing on Saturday. If everyone had his fight and commitment consistently I for one would be happy.
Let us all have a great season.
Keep the faith.

Dave Pritchard
33 Posted 22/08/2016 at 13:42:30
Peter, Mirallas worth £25 million ? Do you want to buy my car? Worth £1500 but yours for £5000
Anto Byrne
34 Posted 22/08/2016 at 14:24:55
Best player we have at Everton in terms of pace and finishing. Always liked him in a central role behind the striker. Maybe he will leave for £15 mil.
Frank Thomas
35 Posted 22/08/2016 at 14:40:08
Mirallas's comments tells us quite a lot. First and most importantly that the confidence is growing between the players and in the manager.

Second is that Koeman's squad rotation policy will be based on helping the team perform and not based on resting players after they have played out of their skins. Which was a crazy policy employed by the new Belgium manager and annoyed the players. Remember Mirallas scoring and then being rested in the next game???

Finally I think RK has recognised that Mirallas and Deulofeu just want to attack all the time and he is combining that desire with pressing back up from the midfielders to great effect. Barry and Mirallas scoring in the same game !!

I agree with several others on here we might see 15+ goals off Mirallas this season. He would be worth a lot more that 㿅M but I would not want to sell him.

Jay Harris
36 Posted 22/08/2016 at 15:00:37
Mirallas has been the player we have been missing the last few years.
A proper goalscorer who is worth between 10-15 goals a season.

I agree with others that I wouldnt entertain a bid of 25m for him.

On his day he is one of the best players we have.

Kevin Moorcroft
37 Posted 22/08/2016 at 15:05:39
Ronald is one of the best tactitions in Europe as far as I'm concened. His influence wll be huge at EFC , we've only seen the start - No reason why we should'nt make top four regularly and hopefully 'gold' I'm sure he wont accept much less as he did when a player and now manager.

Our last two managers wouldnt get anywhere near this fella!!
Steve Bingham
38 Posted 22/08/2016 at 15:08:11
Keep banging em in Kevin
Dave Pritchard
39 Posted 22/08/2016 at 15:13:35
OK guys, if so many of you think he's worth £25 million then fair enough. Nobody will bid that though in my opinion so I'm thinking he will stay and I'll not be complaining if he keeps showing the commitment that he has in the first couple of games.
Peter Morris
40 Posted 22/08/2016 at 15:28:20
Dave,
I didn't say he was worth £25m,I said it would feel like a £25m signing...not quite the same thing. Do you honestly think in these barmy times that we could buy as good a replacement for less? Bolasie? Is he really a club record fee? Will he score more goals than a rejuvenated Kevin Mirallas?
Dave Pritchard
41 Posted 22/08/2016 at 15:53:37
No problem Peter. I am hoping that Bolasie will prove better than Kev and certainly will be more reliable than Deleufeo. If we don't make any more signings I would be playing Mirallas and Bolasie (and Rom) and leaving Del on the bench.
David Price
43 Posted 22/08/2016 at 16:50:43
Mirallas, Bolasi and Lukaku. That front three when all are fully fit will rival Suarez, Sterling and Sturridge at their pomp a few years ago.
In addition we'll have a defence keeping the back door shut.
Better get the negatives vibes out of the way now and bash Kev for speaking the truth and confirming what all fans saw on Saturday.
Good players become great players under the right manager, this is Kev's time at last under Koeman.
Roger Helm
44 Posted 22/08/2016 at 20:49:19
Well said Joe Clitherow (15). Leadership is all about getting others to accept your way because they respect you and buy into your ideas. All of RK's utterances thus far have impressed me a lot - blunt, sensible, focussed.

I think we have a lot of talented creative players - Barkley, Mirallas, Lukaku, Delofeu, etc who were drifting and disheartened, not to mention unfit. If RK can get them fit and motivated, we could see a great attacking unit.

BTW, Cascarino in one of the rags today predicted our "unsettled" club would sack our manager and end the season in 17th place. People get paid for producing stuff like this?

David Price
45 Posted 23/08/2016 at 13:28:36
Roger, that idiot said the same with Moyes a few years ago. He's a clown. How anyone doesn't recognise what Koeman has done at Southampton and his potential with us is unbelievable.
Jimmy Sørheim
46 Posted 23/08/2016 at 01:48:55
I am pleased that Koeman has gotten this squad up to a better shape fitness wise, but I am not impressed by his signings as I expected to see younger top tier players mostly.

So far he seems to NOT care about getting top young talents in and that concerns me.

Overall he is an improvement on Martinez no doubt, he has high standards like me when it comes to demanding top effort from EVERY player.

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