Ronald Koeman believes that Everton fans will not turn on Romelu Lukaku despite his refusal to sign a new contract.
Lukaku will face the Goodison Park crowd on Saturday for the first time since he turned down a five-year deal earlier this week, as the Blues entertain Hull City.
The stand-off between the Belgium international and Everton intensified when he publicly questioned the club’s level of ambition following his contract rejection.
Koeman has ruled out dropping Lukaku in the wake of the stand-off and does not anticipate a hostile reaction when he steps out against the Tigers tomorrow.
Asked if Evertonians would boo the player, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think so because we need the support – every player who is starting needs the support.
“If the player shows his commitment in his football, then everybody can make mistakes. Then you realise it’s no problem.
“But I think everybody needs to understand ambitions, and his situation I tried to explain.
“He’s a professional player and his commitment maybe looks different because of two or three quotes in the press, but he is young and we can see these things.”