Everton sacked Ronald Koeman back in October 2017.
The Dutchman had overseen just two wins from nine to start the 2017/18 Premier League campaign, and with Everton sitting 18th at risk of going down, he was swiftly dismissed.
Former Chelsea and Manchester United star Juan Mata has now spoken to talkSPORT about Koeman – and despite his struggles at Everton, the man from Zaandam was heralded as one of the best the Spaniard has ever worked under.
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Howard Kendall, Carlo Ancelotti and David Moyes all managing Everton Football Club.
Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse/Serena Taylor/Newcastle United.
Juan Mata hails former Everton boss Ronald Koeman
When asked who he feels is the best to have managed him, Mata – now playing for Melbourne Victory – said: “That’s a very difficult question. For example in the national team we had Vicente Del Bosque. We won everything with him, the World Cup and the Euros… Ronald Koeman, he was the one that gave me the chance to play regularly and grow as a player.
“You always need somebody that believes in you and he was the one for me, Ronald. I had (Unai) Emery for many years in Valencia… I mean I could be here two hours talking about coaches, it’s difficult to pick just one.”
Koeman – who almost signed Riyad Mahrez – left Everton with a mixed record, winning 24 of his 58 games but losing 20 along the way as well, also conceding 74 goals and scoring 85.
Matches Wins Draws Losses Goals Points
58 24 14 20 85:74 86
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Sam Allardyce eventually replaced the 62-year-old in November 2017, and the former England boss impressively guided the Toffees to eighth that season.
What Leon Osman said when Everton sacked Ronald Koeman now looks fascinating
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live about potential replacements after Koeman was sacked in 2017, Leon Osman interestingly mentioned that he saw a return for David Moyes as a “step backwards” at Everton.
The former England international said: “Sean Dyche has done a terrific job at Burnley, but he would have been good 18 months ago. Everton’s expectations have been raised since the new owner took over – we’re now looking at the likes of Carlo Ancelotti.
“I can’t see David Moyes coming in, I see that as a step backwards.”
The fact Moyes is now in place eight years after these comments – as The Friedkin Group aim to move Everton on from the wretched Farhad Moshiri era – could suggest Osman feels he is not the right fit.
What would your message to David Moyes be after the loss to United? 😡
He cannot find the answer at the Hill Dickinson…
David Moyes reacts during Burnley vs Everton at Turf Moor.
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport
A lot of Everton fans seemingly feel the same after a run of seven games without a win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, so the Glaswegian has work to do if he wants to earn a new deal beyond July 2027.
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