Everton midfielder Ross Barkley reveals that manager Ronald Koeman has asked for “15-20%” more from him this season.
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After a brilliant start to last season his form tailed off and he was left unused by Roy Hodgson during England’s Euro 2016 disappointment.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace earned their first victory of the season and gave Christian Benteke his debut in a 2-0 defeat of Blackpool at Selhurst Park. Barkley recalls what happened next: “The gaffer just said, ‘You’re skipper today”.
“Then, if he gets two chances he will score one goal, it’s not important to get a fourth or fifth against a Division Two side, getting the first goal is”.
“Normally if he is on his best level he will score at least one goal (in this match), but I am not anxious because he missed some minutes in the pre-season”.
However, following the arrival of Steve Walsh in a Director of Football role, they have moved to make more signings, with Idrissa Gueye, Ashley Williams and Yannick Bolasie all joining. “In our line-up you saw we take it seriously”.
Adding another striker is of paramount importance with them lacking sufficient back up to star man Romelu Lukaku at this moment in time.
“Phil (Jagielka) is not playing, Leighton (Baines) is not starting and if you look around the team maybe the best option was Ross to be the captain”, he said. “He needs to show responsibility about his performance”.
“I was proud of the players, really proud, ” he said.
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Yeovil may well be in for a hiding this week, however with the pressure of their shoulders the visitors will be looking to cause an upset against their Premier League opposition.
