Ronald Koeman has reiterated that he needs more time - and money - to turn Everton into a potential top-four force after a disappointing run of form.
The Toffees made an impressive start to the season under the Dutchman, who jumped ship from Southampton in the summer, by claiming 13 points from the first 15 on offer.
Everton's form has taken a turn for the worse since then, however, with one win in their last nine already leaving them 10 points adrift of the top four and seven off Tottenham Hotspur in fifth.
Koeman admitted earlier this week that he is looking to bring in some new faces during the January transfer window, particularly after losing Yannick Bolasie for the season, with his current group unable to fully adapt to his preferred style of play.
"From the start after pre-season, we knew what we needed a change in the team," he told Sky Sports News. "Even in that good run, we knew that we had to change some things. We're struggling to press opponents. Sometimes we're doing individual pressing instead of team pressing and that starts from the front. If the players at the front are pressing and the defenders are not pushing up, that means there is too much room for our opponent.
"The team is too long, not compact enough, and then it's difficult. Honestly, some players have difficulties with this aspect of football. If it's impossible, you have to go a bit more compact instead of high pressing and that's what we did in the last few weeks. If the players at the front are pressing and the defenders are not pushing up, that means there is too much room for our opponent. The team is too long, not compact enough, and then it's difficult.
"We know it's a big project, we know we have older players in the team. Gareth Barry, with all due respect, will not play three more years for Everton and maybe the same for Phil Jagielka. But one summer is not enough to get the type of players to play in the favourite system we want as technical staff."
Everton, recently linked with a move for Leicester City winger Demarai Gray, return to league action on Saturday lunchtime when taking on Watford at Vicarage Road.
Daniel Lewis
