'It hurts' - Ashley Williams makes big admission about Koeman sacking by Everton
By Danny Wright
Everton defender Ashley Williams has admitted that he feels some responsibility for the sacking of Ronald Koeman last week.
The Dutchman was axed by the Toffees board after a dismal start to the season however many fans and pundits have pointed the finger at the club's senior players for their role in the downfall.
Koeman spent big in the summer on improving his squad after finishing seventh in the Premier League last term, but after he left, the Merseysiders were stranded in the relegation zone and on the brink of being knocked out of Europe.
Wales international Williams is one of the players that has been widely criticised by the fanbase for his role in the poor form this season and he has admitted that he is not happy about how things have gone down at Goodison in recent months.
"It's hurts. He was someone we all liked and you feel responsible. Disappointing for everyone," he said on Wednesday in the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against Lyon, as quoted by Liverpool Echo report Phil Kirkbride on his personal Twitter account.
With Wayne Rooney, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka being left at home for the game against Lyon, Williams has been handed the captain's armband.
He will no doubt be fired up for the game though, as last time he played against the French side he was lucky to have not got himself sent off for an ugly altercation just moments before he scored a thumping header in the 2-1 loss at Goodison.
Everton's chances of reaching the last-32 of the Europa League can be ended on Thursday if they lose to Lyon and Atalanta avoid a loss against Apollon in the other tie.
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