Everton boss Ronald Koeman has rubbished the suggestion that his side are contenders for a top-four finish this season.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho recently commented that the Toffees would at least want to finish in top four following their heavy summer spending.
The Merseysiders, who currently occupy the 18th spot, spent over £140million during the summer, but they lost arguably their best player in Romelu Lukaku to United.
Koeman said: "I know what we are and I know the way to be successful.
"It's crazy, ridiculous to put a lot of pressure on the team by saying we need to finish in the top four. In my opinion, that's ridiculous.
"Everybody has signed new players. We signed some young players, and (on Wednesday, in the Carabao Cup win against Sunderland) we played with six or seven boys of 19, 20, 21, 22.
"That is the future, it needs time, and that is normal. Let's make the next step.
"It doesn't mean we don't have ambition, because if there's one person in football who has a lot of ambition, then it's at this table.
"But I'm realistic, and in football, being realistic is sometimes difficult."
