Everton manager Ronald Koeman blasts Premier League chiefs ahead of Hajduk Split test in Europa League for fixture pile-up

RONALD KOEMAN has accused Prem chiefs of wrecking Everton’s European chances.

The Dutchman is unhappy at the prospect of facing three away games in less than seven days — against Manchester City, Hajduk Split and Chelsea.

6

6

And he says his side’s Europa League hopes are being hurt by this week’s brutal 3,500-mile schedule.

The Toffees will defend a 2-0 lead in tonight’s Euro qualifier out in Croatia.

Jose Mourinho famously claimed, “the Premier League don’t give a s***,” when Manchester United were in the Europa League last season.

And last night Koeman admitted: “I totally agree with Jose. Maybe they don’t care enough about European football. We understand TV money decides a lot when it comes to arranging kick-offs.

“But what makes it even more difficult for us playing on Thursday is we also played City on Monday night — then we are the first game on Sunday lunchtime.

“It is difficult enough for us to give competition to the strongest teams in the Premier League, and European football makes it even tougher.

Latest Everton News

Toffees on tour

Hajduk Split vs Everton: What time and what tv channel is the Europa League qualifier on?

ARE BLUES BETTER THAN EVER?

Chelsea vs Everton: Potential tactics and key men as the champs bid to tame Wayne Rooney

ROO-MARKABLE

With Wayne Rooney retiring from Three Lions duty, we look at greatest ten goals in an England shirt

PREM PREVIEW

Chelsea vs Everton: When is it on, what TV channel is it on and what is the latest team news?

6

6

“But it’s important for a club with Everton’s history to be part of Europe and it’s the ambition to qualify for the Europa League. I want to be involved again on Thursday nights. We know it is going to be tough, and have some injuries, but we’ll fight.”

Everton’s players will not return from Croatia until the small hours of tomorrow morning and Koeman does not understand why they must face Chelsea at 1.30pm on Sunday when the match is not being televised. But Hajduk coach Joan Carrillo had little sympathy for Koeman.

He said: “It’s not important we have had 24 hours more rest as we have played a lot more qualifying games in this competition than Everton. They also have 32 players in their squad — we only have 25.”

6

6

🚨Sun Bets now TOP PRICE for Champions League🚨

SUN BETS have come flying out of the traps... and gone top price for each English club to win the Champions League.

• Manchester City: 12/1 - add to betslip
• Manchester United: 14/1 - add to betslip
• Chelsea: 16/1 - add to betslip
• Liverpool: 25/1 - add to betslip
• Spurs: 33/1 - add to betslip

Most Read In Sport

LAST WISH

Trevor Francis cuts out estranged sons from will as he leaves behind huge sum

RIP

Tributes pour in as Wales and Burnley legend Leighton James dies

MOUNT-AIN TO CLIMB

Mount’s ex-club relegated after 18-point deduction for major rule breach

TRAGEDY PROBED

Football star aged 26 dies after taking a shot as Roma star leads tributes

Koeman knows the intimidating Poljud Stadium will pose a serious test of character for his side after the Hajduk fans tried to storm the pitch at Goodison last week.

He said: “They will try to intimidate us but it’s the kind of atmosphere you like to play in.

“The plan is to win the game and to qualify for the group stage.”

EVERTON (likely): Pickford, Keane, Williams, Jagielka, Martina, Davies, Gueye, Schneiderlin, Baines, Calvert-Lewin, Rooney.