- Merlin Rohl scored Everton’s only goal against Sunderland.
- German has found new life on the right wing, starting three consecutive games.
- Rohl has called Seamus Coleman as his idol.
Merlin Rohl has started the last three games on the right wing for Everton.
He scored his first goal for the club against Sunderland, a deflected effort that gave the Toffees a half‑time lead. But it wasn’t enough. Sunderland scored three in the second half and ended Everton’s European dream.
After the match, Merlin Rohl spoke about the disappointment and paid a heartfelt tribute to Seamus Coleman.
Merlin Rohl: ‘He’s had a great impact on me’
Rohl didn’t hide what Seamus Coleman means to him. “He’s had a great impact on me. From the first minute, I think we had a really nice connection. He believed in me as a football player and as a person. I really admire him for his attitude and for everything he gives for the Club.
“I try to see him as my idol and take everything I can see from him and get the real hard work onto the pitch for the Club.
“That’s every training day too – he’s one of the best trainers I’ve ever seen. That’s why he’s been here so long and why he’s such a big figure.”
The German midfielder was one of several players who have found a new lifeline on the right wing in recent weeks. His attitude since joining Everton has been excellent. He took his chances, scored a goal against Sunderland and has earned a run in the team.
‘We didn’t get the win and it’s disappointing’
On the game itself, Rohl was honest. “It was a big opportunity for us. We had opportunities in the last games, but this one was perhaps the last opportunity to get back in the race for Europe.
“We didn’t get the win today and it’s disappointing, especially on a day like this – the last home game for Seamus Coleman.
“We didn’t play great in the first half, but we took the lead. Sometimes this is football, but we couldn’t get another goal.
“Football is always so tough and sometimes you win the games by only a margin, and the last few games we couldn’t get the win, and that’s disappointing.”
Everton currently sit 12th in the Premier League table after the defeat. The defeat ended any chances of European football for them. Now, the season ends away to Tottenham, who are battling relegation.
For Rohl, the focus now is on finishing as strongly as possible. But his words about Seamus Coleman are a deserved tribute and resonate with the supporters. Coleman is Rohl’s idol and so are many Everton fans. Rohl just needs to try to follow his example. That is the legacy Coleman leaves behind.
- Three Everton transfer links that feel most likely to happen this summer
- Everton should be paying close attention to Lille midfielder linked with summer move
- Everton could benefit from uncertain future of former La Liga star
- Everton given unexpected chance to land Premier League double-winner
- Numbers don’t lie: Everton’s extraordinary battle with Premier League officials
