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Ronald Koeman believes Everton ’s players are embracing the “fresh air” of his new regime – but warned they must keep adapting to his methods.

The Blues have made a solid start to the Dutchman’s debut season in charge, taking four points from their opening two Premier League games followed by a straightforward EFL Cup win over Yeovil Town in midweek.

Having been concerned his team were undercooked for the start of the campaign, Koeman now regards their fitness as “close to 100%”.

But he has issued a note of caution to any players resistant to his training ground ideas.

“I’m very happy with the work-rate of the team and how I like to improve and what we need to do,” said the Blues boss.

“They are doing a lot of different things to last season and that’s good.

“In my opinion, fresh air for everybody is good.

“I believe in that way and that philosophy. Of course you need time to get everybody involved in that structure.

“But it’s better a question for the players because they need to change. I don’t change.”

Koeman added: “We are improving. It’s always difficult when you have a midweek game to get the intensity in the midweek session but it’s normal that we are physically better than before Tottenham.

“We are close to 100%. Some players did not get that game time in pre-season, it was their first 90 minutes (against Tottenham).

“Maybe they need one or two weeks more and international duty to get everybody on the highest level you need to play in the Premier League. That’s normally after the transfer window.”

Koeman believes Everton’s league opening – a draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur followed by coming from behind to win at West Bromwich Albion – was all the more impressive given the well-documented problems of the summer.

“It’s a good start to the season because pre season was difficult, we lost Stones and some players only had first 90 minutes last week when we had played two league games,” he said.

“Four points is positive. The win at West Brom gave us lot of confidence but we know Stoke is always a tough one at home and we need to be prepared for that.”