In some ways, it was little surprise that Sunday’s 5-2 home defeat to Arsenal proved to be the last act of Ronald Koeman’s managerial career at Everton. Expected to push for a place in the top four this season, the result dropped the Toffees down into the bottom three. Indeed, things at Goodison Park have been dismal for quite some time, yet the decision to sack the Dutchman was, for some, a case of itchy trigger finger.
Now, the search is on for Koeman’s replacement, with Everton desperate to arrest a run of form which threatens to derail their entire season. Some illustrious names have been mentioned, with Carlo Ancelotti on the shortlist of candidates expected to be considered by the Merseyside club. Luring the Italian to Goodison Park would make a significant statement about Everton’s ambitions, but that’s not to say Ancelotti would be the best appointment. The Toffees must look a little closer to home for that.
David Wagner’s stock has never been higher, masterminding Huddersfield Town’s 2-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday to take the Terriers to 11th place in the Premier League table. Predicted by many to struggle in the top flight following promotion, Huddersfield are actually thriving and that is largely down to the influence of Wagner.
The German-born American has completely transformed Huddersfield over the past two years and is now working on establishing them as a permanent Premier League fixture. His teams play dynamic, attractive football, but above all, the Terriers are intelligent, as they demonstrated against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United at the weekend.
That’s something Everton have desperately lacked this season. Under Koeman, they lacked direction, frequently heading into big games with no semblance of a game plan or strategy. They are a team without an identity. Much of that might well be down to the number of players signed by the club in the summer, but Koeman failed in his duty to impose a style of play, or even a personality, on his side.
There would be no question of that with Wagner in charge. If Westminster is currently the domain of identity politics, the John Smith’s Stadium is the domain of identity football, such is the distinct style of Huddersfield Town at the moment. Just look at how the home fans stayed behind after full time on Saturday to salute the coach who is taking their team to new heights. Contrast that to how things are at Everton right now.
There is currently a real disconnect between those in the stands and those at Goodison Park, illustrated by the boos that rang around the ancient ground following Saturday’s defeat to Arsenal. Everton find themselves at a critical juncture of their modern history as a club. Their next appointment matters, having endured mixed success under Roberto Martinez and Koeman. They must get this one right. There’s more at stake than just league position.
Those in charge at the club can’t get caught up in the frenzy that will now follow the sacking of Koeman. Sam Allardyce will be mentioned, as will many others. They must do their due diligence in finding the right coach, not just to forge an effective, winning team on the pitch, but restore the culture of the club off the pitch too. He might not be as glamorous a candidate as Ancelotti, but along these lines Wagner is the man Everton needs right now.
