Ronald Koeman has hit back at criticisms of Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku in last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool.
The Everton manager saw his side comfortably beaten 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday, extending their win-less run at their former stadium to 18 years.
Lukaku struggled to recapture the form which had seen him crowned the Premier League’s player of the month for March in a rare barren outing for the striker.
England international Barkley was also off-key against Jurgen Klopp’s side and accused of being overzealous in his tackling on more than one occasion.
But Koeman has defended the pair, insisting that individuals should not be singled out for condemnation from only the Blues’ second defeat in 11 games.
That appears to have angered Koeman, who says it is unfair to single out individuals for their performances in the defeat.
He said: “To compete against a strong team it’s always difficult.
“But I try to be realistic, about the situation, the progress of the team and the project of Everton.
“It’s only one game and to make some conclusions out of only last Saturday, in my opinion, is not good.
“What I don’t like is too much [being said] individually about the performances of the players. It’s a team. Every individual is a part of the team.
“The team was not good enough but I was proud, really proud. That’s not to defend my team because I’m a manager who sees football realistically.
“It’s easy to give your opinion in front of the television without any responsibility. I’m happy; I see a lot of progress in the club and the team. It’s a whole season, not one game.
“Okay, maybe some players didn’t perform at the level what they showed in the last few games.
“Romelu it was difficult, I spoke to him, and he was not really sharp. Ross played in a little different position; he lost several balls in midfield but he needs to improve in that and okay.
“But not to take out one or two and [say] that was the problem last Saturday, no that’s not fair. You speak about Lukaku, he’s the top scorer in the league.
“Why after the Liverpool game we need to criticise Rom? He’s a great striker, he’s a human boy and it’s not always a ten.
“That’s football. If you don’t play football maybe you don’t understand.”