Everton had a horrible international break, and now has to deal with the repercussions at a massive point in its season: an away Merseyside Derby.
Seamus Coleman, Ramiro Funes Mori, and James McCarthy were all lost for varying lengths of time on duty for Ireland, Argentina, and the Republic of Ireland.
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That’s not making Ronald Koeman a happy man, especially in the case of McCarthy. Koeman is raging that Ireland did not heed Everton’s advice on the not-quite-fit McCarthy, still trotting the competitive midfielder out for country.
Still, he’s not turning away from the passion of the derby, and feels Everton needs to act like an equal partner in the affair. The perceived underdog mentality won’t do them well. From the BBC: