Everton boss Ronald Koeman has sought to ease expectations ahead of their season kickoff.
As he prepared for the visit of Stoke to Goodison on the opening weekend of the season, he offered cautious comparison between his own threadbare forward line and the powerful attacking units that last season's top six can boast.
“I know the expectations are higher than last season, but I always look to be realistic. We can improve and spend money but everyone can improve and is spending money," he explained.
“It is difficult still because we really have one striker.
“Sandro is a striker and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a striker of 21. He needs to improve. He has a lot of talent.
“But compare that to the big teams and what they have on the bench – or even in the stands – it is a big difference to Everton. If you look at my team this weekend, and the bench, you can not compare it to the big six. That is difficult."
