Moshiri: Koeman’s Lukaku comments taken out of context

Farhad Moshiri has played down comments from Everton manager Ronald Koeman that seemed to suggest that Romelu Lukaku should leave Goodison Park to further his career.

In a recent interview with HLN, the Dutchman angered Evertonians with his assertion that the 23-year-old striker may have to move on to a European giant in order to realise his full potential.

“His potential is greater and higher than Everton as a final destination,” Koeman told the Belgian outlet.  “If Romelu was to play at Everton until the end of his career I know he has left something behind.

“I gave him confidence and he has himself recognised that it was good for his development to play another year at Everton. What after this season comes, no-one knows.”

Just catching up with today's #EFC stuff. Goodness me, that Lukaku reference was an idiotic thing for Koeman to say out loud

— Steve Johnson (@stevejohnson95) November 9, 2016

But facing a potential backlash from fans, Moshiri has moved to defend his manager, saying that the ex-Southampton boss’ words have been misconstrued.

“It has been taken out of context,” he told talkSPORT.

“Ronald Koeman said he believes Romelu will develop into one of the best strikers in the world in the next two to three years and wouldn’t be out of place at his old club, Barcelona.

“It is just player-coach talk.”

Lukaku has struck seven goals in 11 starts this season, with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interesting in mounting a January bid for his services.