Technically, Everton haven’t got to beat MFK Ruzomberok this evening but that doesn’t mean the Blues aren’t going to Slovakia to play attacking football.
But Ronald Koeman, commenting in his pre-match news conference, said he plans to do exactly that, attack.
However, the boss is also aware a narrow lead has to be protected against Ruzomberok in the Europa League third round qualifier and the Blues’ host, denied an away goal by Maarten Stekelenburg’s brilliant save, can’t, which they wouldn’t, be underestimated.
Koeman was quoted by the Official Website: ‘We always try to play offensive football and we have not come here to defend the result from the first leg. That’s not the way I like and not the best way to win the tie. Ruzomberok will need to attack more. They did a good job [at Goodison Park] but it’s the second leg of this round and we see the outcome tomorrow.’
Having arrived in Slovakia in the early evening of Wednesday the squad went straight to the Stadion MFK Ruzomberok, which has a capacity of 4,500, 450 Evertonian are travelling, to get a firsthand look at the stadium.
The boss said he was more than happy with his view from the bench but it’s the result that matters and not his personal view. Obviously the Blues are strong favourites to advance but challenge of Ruzomberok will be respected.
‘We came straight from the airport to the stadium. It’s looking nice and it’s not like Everton’s stadium because there will be a much less of a crowd. There is a great view from the bench but it’s not about the view, it’s about the result,’ said Koeman.
Adding: ‘I understand that for the club [MFK Ruzomberok] it’s a big challenge to play in Europe. We respect that. It’s all about 95 minutes tomorrow but there will be a good ambience to play football inside the stadium.’
Meanwhile, having run the pre-match win/lose/draw poll, which had a slightly different look to it given this is a two-legged tie and a defeat could still result in Everton advancing, the Blues are favoured to advance.
There wasn’t too much in it in fairness but with 54%, as an Everton win outright on the night, a Blues’ win in Slovakia is expected, which will take the Toffees into the Europa League play-off tie.
What did the poll ask?
Europa League – Ruzomberok v Everton
How you voted
Everton win 54%
Ruzomberok win – Blues OUT 40%
Draw 5%
Ruzomberok win – Blues advance 1%
Would you agree or disagree?
