Everton manager Ronald Koeman admits arch-rivals Liverpool deserve to be top of the Premier League table and have a “good chance” of winning the 2016/17 title, according to ESPN FC.
The Toffees, who currently lie eight points adrift of The Reds in seventh spot, will welcome Jurgen Klopp’s men to Goodison Park on Monday, December 19.
Koeman, 53, revealed his admiration for Liverpool’s strong start to the current season at the launch of the Kick It With Help anti-smoking campaign.
Photo: Paul Roberts / Offside.
“It’s still too early to say who will be the favourites, but I have been impressed by Liverpool so far,” he said.
“Maybe that is not what you might expect the Everton manager to say, but they have been playing some very good football and deserve to be at the top.
“They have goals in their team and this is what all successful sides need.”
Koeman added, “Of course they can be champions this season, they have a good chance, but they are not the only contenders.
“My Everton team has played Manchester City and Chelsea in the last few weeks and both were very impressive. We managed to draw at City, but you could see the quality of these teams.
“Then we all know what happened at Chelsea, as we lost 5-0 and they put in a very good performance.
“It was difficult for us, but you have to be impressed from their side, so maybe they can also have a chance.”
